Test Kits

BNS77 · 07/10/2008, 08:12 AM

I've been reading alot about bad test kits. Is there any recommendations on which is the best kit for the $.

Tswifty · 07/10/2008, 08:14 AM

The most common responses you'll probably get are API or Salifert.

I personally use Salifert.

Flavum · 07/10/2008, 08:22 AM

cant go wrong with salifert

old salty · 07/10/2008, 08:17 PM

Elos, elos, ELos, elOS EloS, or ELOS.

Davidd2324 · 07/10/2008, 08:54 PM

is elos really worth the money. I mean its like $180 for all the kits

saltee dood · 07/10/2008, 08:57 PM

I have been thinking of starting a thread similar to this, so since you already did, Im gonna ask a question that I hope will bring more detailed answers.

I have seen many mentions of certain brands being better for certain parameters...ie...Salifert seems well-liked for the basic stuff (ph, ammonia, nitrite) but not so much for others.

So what I want to know is...

What is the general consensus on what is the preferred test kit for each parameter for your normal average reefer? If the tester you recommend is a expensive one few will buy (150+), what would be the best alternative?

Allanira · 07/10/2008, 08:58 PM

I use Red Seas Marine Lab II. It works great for me.

Davidd2324 · 07/10/2008, 09:24 PM

anyone using elos ?

timschmidt · 07/10/2008, 09:34 PM

I use the seachem brand for all tests. I would have to admit that a couple of the tests are subject to color comparison but the CA, MG, and strontium are done via titration (aka add drops until the color DRASTICALLY changes from one to another) makes it really easy to know when you are at a given level. I admit that the testing does take longer than the API I've seen people use but I tend to think that they perform very well for the money. If it makes a difference I've not used Salifert or ELOS. The little plastic trays are my only complaint for the common tests. Small area to work in.

DevilBoy · 07/10/2008, 10:11 PM

i use all Elos... i switched over from Salifert. Salifert gave me too many false readings on critical elements for me to continue to use the salifert brand...

Davidd2324 · 07/10/2008, 11:53 PM

Are they hard to use ? I heard some of them were recalled because bad solutions ?

fishguyshank · 07/11/2008, 12:18 AM

Anything ELOS! That's your best and safe but. There is nothing cheap in this hobby.

07/10/2008, 08:12 AM	#1
BNS77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 124	Test Kits I've been reading alot about bad test kits. Is there any recommendations on which is the best kit for the $.

07/10/2008, 08:14 AM	#2
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	The most common responses you'll probably get are API or Salifert. I personally use Salifert. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

07/10/2008, 08:22 AM	#3
Flavum Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Knox, TN Posts: 728	cant go wrong with salifert __________________ Good guys, bad guys Which is which? The white collar worker Or the digger of the ditch? Man, who's to say who's the better man? I'm doing the very best I can Best I can - Minor Threat

07/10/2008, 08:17 PM	#4
old salty Genius Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Island of Misfit Toys Posts: 3,131	Elos, elos, ELos, elOS EloS, or ELOS. __________________ "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: Out of the marine aquarium hobby

07/10/2008, 08:58 PM	#7
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	I use Red Seas Marine Lab II. It works great for me. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/10/2008, 08:54 PM	#5
Davidd2324 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 373	is elos really worth the money. I mean its like $180 for all the kits

07/10/2008, 08:57 PM	#6
saltee dood Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: east of Houston Tx Posts: 133	I have been thinking of starting a thread similar to this, so since you already did, Im gonna ask a question that I hope will bring more detailed answers. I have seen many mentions of certain brands being better for certain parameters...ie...Salifert seems well-liked for the basic stuff (ph, ammonia, nitrite) but not so much for others. So what I want to know is... What is the general consensus on what is the preferred test kit for each parameter for your normal average reefer? If the tester you recommend is a expensive one few will buy (150+), what would be the best alternative?

07/10/2008, 09:24 PM	#8
Davidd2324 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 373	anyone using elos ?

07/10/2008, 09:34 PM	#9
timschmidt Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago area, IL Posts: 809	I use the seachem brand for all tests. I would have to admit that a couple of the tests are subject to color comparison but the CA, MG, and strontium are done via titration (aka add drops until the color DRASTICALLY changes from one to another) makes it really easy to know when you are at a given level. I admit that the testing does take longer than the API I've seen people use but I tend to think that they perform very well for the money. If it makes a difference I've not used Salifert or ELOS. The little plastic trays are my only complaint for the common tests. Small area to work in. __________________ Tim Current Tank Info: Nanocube 12DX / Nanocube 28G HQI

07/10/2008, 10:11 PM	#10
DevilBoy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wooster, Ohio Posts: 1,724	i use all Elos... i switched over from Salifert. Salifert gave me too many false readings on critical elements for me to continue to use the salifert brand...

07/10/2008, 11:53 PM	#11
Davidd2324 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 373	Are they hard to use ? I heard some of them were recalled because bad solutions ?

07/11/2008, 12:18 AM	#12
fishguyshank Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: orange,CA Posts: 19	Anything ELOS! That's your best and safe but. There is nothing cheap in this hobby.