Which test kits need to be high quality- LPS and Softies

[starypotter]

Hi everyone,
I started out with the API saltwater and reef test kits to get the full range of things. Now I'm looking to find our what's actually important to have a really 'good' test kit for. I'd really rather not spend the money on expensive testers like Hanna, but I figure that's a sort of thing that works for a while while other test kits that may be 50-75% of the cost of a Hanna only have so many tests in them so maybe the cost evens out over time. I'm just worried because the more I read the more I only see people saying terrible things about the API kits and I want to get ahead of things.

Are there any tests that you'd say I could keep with my API? I also figure that since I'm not going to be trying to run a super exact SPS tank that maybe I'll be able to get away with the API for some.

My nitrates are at 0, no fish in the tank yet though I do overfeed my inverts. And my phosphate is at 5 ppm according to API, I think I need to switch foods. I'm planning to get a reducer for the phosphate and maybe some different macro for that as well and I hope that when I add my fish that my nitrates will come up a bit.

 

[mta_morrow]

My tank is primarily soft corals at this time

I use salifert for calcium and magnesium. These are inexpensive and consistent

I use Red Sea for nitrates

Hanna for alkalinity and low range phosphorus

 

[Reeferdood]

Red Sea, Salifert, Elos and Hanna checkers are the first ones to come to mind!
The API tests are ok but when you start investing in expensive livestock you might consider the kits mentioned above. They will benefit you long term, trust me.