Which test kits do you guys like?

[NeveSSL]

Its amazing how quickly this hobby seems to be moving. I've only been out maybe 2 or 3 years, but a LOT seems to have changed, including test kits. "Back in my day", Salifert was recommended all the way around, but I think that's changed a bit of late.

What are you guys using and why did you choose them? IE, which do you think are the best?

Brandon

 

[Dowtish]

Hanna checkers for ALK and Phos
Salifert for Calcium and Mag

I dont test anything else....

 

[NeveSSL]

Awesome. Thanks, Chris. Have you had any issues with the Hanna checkers?

I find it interesting that you don't test for nitrates. Why do you not test for it?

Thanks for the reply!

Brandon

 

[Dowtish]

No issues at all with the hanna checkers. They are so easy to use, that you will actually test. LOL

I do have a sailfert test kit for Nitrates, but havent used it in over 2 years. I watch my corals, if they start to look bad I check my phosphates, if they are low, then I know my N03 might be as well. I might test for phos about every 3-4 months.... Its the beauty of running bio pellets.

But I do test my ALK on a regular basis and the hanna checker process takes a total of about 60 seconds tops for a digital read out. Cant beat it.

 

[pickupman66]

+1 on the Hanna Checkers. Alk and Phosphate. I also test Nitrates and Ca with salifert kits.

 

[NanaReefer]

I use the Red Sea Reef Pro Foundation kit. Would love to give the Hannah's a try, maybe come tax return I will. I usually make 1 big investment at that time

 

[stylaster]

I run the same as dowtish. Also keep seachem calcium test kit and red sea that does nitrate, phosphate, ph, calcium, and alk as a backup incase numbers look off

 

[Reefing Madness]

API and Salifert

 

[shellynjason]

Hanna checker for P04
Salifert for Calcium, Alk, Mag, Nitrate, PH

guess I'm not testing for accuracy just consistency with these hobby grade kits. I test all at least twice a week (day before water change and day after water change) because I have OCD *smile*

 

[jduck]

Red sea pro for mag, alk, ca
Hanna checker for po4 and alk

 

[FL_Reefer]

Red Sea all day!!

 

[NeveSSL]

Awesome! Thanks for all of the replies!

Brandon

 

[mike007]

I have had good results with Redsea.

 

[islander84]

I did a test to compare the new Red Sea Reef Foundation test kits with Salifert and they were almost spot on. I use Salifert and Red Sea for Mg, Ca, Alk I use Hanna for Alk, PO4. I like to mix it up and sometimes I test the same param with 2 different kits to ensure accuracy.

 

[Connie]

I'm with the majority....Red Sea for Mag and Ca. Hanna for Alk and PO4. I rarely check for PO4 or salinity unless things don't look right. I don't check for nitrates either. With chaeto and dosing Microbelift Special Blend, I have found there is no need. The beauty of your reef finally stabilizing...lol

How can you tell what the reading is on Salifert? I have tried it, but the colors are so pale it leaves me unsure of my numbers. Wait, I may be thinking of Seachem.

 

[schooleyosis]

Red Sea Pro for all test kits. I measure ALK//CAL/MAG weekly and check my phosphates and nitrates every few months. Kind of like what Chris said, just test when my corals "tell" me too.

I use an API test kit to spot check my ALK mid-week from time to time to give me an idea of where its at.

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the replies!

Yes, Connie, I believe you are thinking of Seachem. The beauty of Salifert kits is that instant color change... no comparing tints of colors!

Brandon

 

[Scutterborn]

Hanna checkers for Ca, alk and po4

Red Sea for Mg.