Test kits - Methods and brands

CloruroDiSodio · 02/12/2009, 11:00 AM

Hi gang,

I've been reading up on what Test kits are recommended (testing method and Brand). First off, what testing method do most of you like "colormetric" where you compare solution color to chart, or "titration method"? I've read that Salifert were a good brand but Hach and LaMotte were the best. I went to Hach's website and there were a kazillion test kits listed of all types (other than marine hobby). Also, any vendors that carry the recommended kits?

thanks
CDS

Cyn_D · 02/12/2009, 11:10 AM

It depends are you keeping a Fish only tank, fish only and live rock, both of the previous with soft corals/sps?

Playa-1 · 02/12/2009, 11:20 AM

I would recommend the titration method and the Salifert seem to work just fine. Salifert also has a good reputation. They are not the least expensive but they are not the most expensive either. The word is that Hach and LaMotte are good test kits, but I haven't tried them. I would expect them to be on the higher end of the pricing scale. I've also heard that the API test kits work just fine and are on the lower end of the pricing scale. Maybe next time I will try a competitors test kit to see how I like it

Michael · 02/12/2009, 11:33 AM

agreed salifert for me as well, however i like tetra for ph and tropic marin as well

tspors · 02/12/2009, 01:01 PM

Just to keep in mind..... This is not an exact science. Reef testing should be more known as an acceptable range for your system. Regardless of what method you choose your results will always vary due to the changing variables when taking test results. Your shooting for ranges not exact numbers.

CloruroDiSodio · 02/12/2009, 01:14 PM

Hi guys,

Thanks. I will be running a 180gal fish, hardy invert, live rock tank. I think I am shooting for the Salifert / titration method. Do you know where I could order one of these?

tspors · 02/12/2009, 01:20 PM

Try liveaquaria.com or
fosters and smith

CloruroDiSodio · 02/12/2009, 01:33 PM

Thank you, I'll take a look!

CDS

xJake · 02/12/2009, 01:55 PM

The titration method is always more accurate, but at the same time they're also usually more expensive. So, for test kits I don't need much accuracy on (i.e. all I need is a +/- result or a general idea of the parameter) I just use the cheapest brand I can find (usually API).

Here are the test kits I use and recommend:
Ammonia - API
Nitrite - API
Nitrate - API
pH - API (divided by 5; 1mL of sample and 1 drop of reagent - it lasts forever)
Calcium - Seachem
Alkalinity - Seachem (Titrate-based method included in the Mg test kit; the "Marine Basic pH & Alkalinity" kit is horrible)
Magnesium - Seachem
Phosphate - I don't use one - they're pretty useless anyway

Jay180reef · 02/12/2009, 02:26 PM

Also Elos make great kits, some are color charts, some are titration.

02/12/2009, 11:00 AM	#1
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Test kits - Methods and brands Hi gang, I've been reading up on what Test kits are recommended (testing method and Brand). First off, what testing method do most of you like "colormetric" where you compare solution color to chart, or "titration method"? I've read that Salifert were a good brand but Hach and LaMotte were the best. I went to Hach's website and there were a kazillion test kits listed of all types (other than marine hobby). Also, any vendors that carry the recommended kits? thanks CDS

02/12/2009, 11:33 AM	#4
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	agreed salifert for me as well, however i like tetra for ph and tropic marin as well __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

02/12/2009, 01:01 PM	#5
tspors Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Appleton, WI. USA Posts: 774	Just to keep in mind..... This is not an exact science. Reef testing should be more known as an acceptable range for your system. Regardless of what method you choose your results will always vary due to the changing variables when taking test results. Your shooting for ranges not exact numbers. __________________ Everything is Good with Moderation. Current Tank Info: 150 Gal Oceanic, 30g Sump, Gen-X PCX-150 2250 gph, Red Sea Clasic Turbo Skimmer, 18w Turbo Twist UV, Ocean Clear Filter w/live rock, Several Buckets,

02/12/2009, 01:20 PM	#7
tspors Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Appleton, WI. USA Posts: 774	Try liveaquaria.com or fosters and smith __________________ Everything is Good with Moderation. Current Tank Info: 150 Gal Oceanic, 30g Sump, Gen-X PCX-150 2250 gph, Red Sea Clasic Turbo Skimmer, 18w Turbo Twist UV, Ocean Clear Filter w/live rock, Several Buckets,

02/12/2009, 02:26 PM	#10
Jay180reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 431	Also Elos make great kits, some are color charts, some are titration. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: 180G reef, 2x45G sumps, 45G fuge, MH lights w/T5s, ReefOcto skmr, Barracuda pump, Magnum powerheads

02/12/2009, 11:10 AM	#2
Cyn_D Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 476	It depends are you keeping a Fish only tank, fish only and live rock, both of the previous with soft corals/sps?

02/12/2009, 11:20 AM	#3
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I would recommend the titration method and the Salifert seem to work just fine. Salifert also has a good reputation. They are not the least expensive but they are not the most expensive either. The word is that Hach and LaMotte are good test kits, but I haven't tried them. I would expect them to be on the higher end of the pricing scale. I've also heard that the API test kits work just fine and are on the lower end of the pricing scale. Maybe next time I will try a competitors test kit to see how I like it

02/12/2009, 01:14 PM	#6
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Hi guys, Thanks. I will be running a 180gal fish, hardy invert, live rock tank. I think I am shooting for the Salifert / titration method. Do you know where I could order one of these?

02/12/2009, 01:33 PM	#8
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Thank you, I'll take a look! CDS

02/12/2009, 01:55 PM	#9
xJake Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,385	The titration method is always more accurate, but at the same time they're also usually more expensive. So, for test kits I don't need much accuracy on (i.e. all I need is a +/- result or a general idea of the parameter) I just use the cheapest brand I can find (usually API). Here are the test kits I use and recommend: Ammonia - API Nitrite - API Nitrate - API pH - API (divided by 5; 1mL of sample and 1 drop of reagent - it lasts forever) Calcium - Seachem Alkalinity - Seachem (Titrate-based method included in the Mg test kit; the "Marine Basic pH & Alkalinity" kit is horrible) Magnesium - Seachem Phosphate - I don't use one - they're pretty useless anyway