Test Kits

StinkFish · 08/19/2007, 11:39 PM

I need to get a new test kit.

What tests should it contain?

What brands are reliable?

- Ken

Mavrk · 08/20/2007, 12:03 AM

Salifert is probably the most highly rated here on this board. But they are expensive. I would use them as an occasional test and for testing if you get readings that concern you from another test.

For daily testing I use API. But I am thinking of getting some cheap test strips for every day use, using the API for the every other day test (or somehthing like that), and getting Salifert for the weekly test.

As far as what you need, it depends on the age of your tank and what you are keeping. You definately need the big 4:

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
pH

schoch79 · 08/20/2007, 12:07 AM

I agree with what mavrk said above but I would also include in those tests that are neccesary:

alkilinity
calcium
magnesium (not as neccesary but still very important/helps in balancing alk and calcium)

ArgonDreams · 08/20/2007, 12:12 AM

Actually, I am surprised no-one has said it yet...

I use on a regular basis:

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
PH
Phosphate
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

I have a Reef Test Kit and Saltwater Master test kit for regular tests from API. They are cheap and reasonably accurate for the cost.

I also use Salifert for Calcium, Alkalinity and Nitrate which are the most important regular testing I do and I want as accurate as I can (Salifert) and a backup to double check a result when I get a false negative or false positive.

However I think having a phosphate test kit is essential in ANY system from fish only on up. Massive help in algae issues.

Links below for the kits I own:

Saltwater Master Test Kit (API)

Reef Master Liquid Test Kit (API)

Calcium Test Kit (Salifert)

Carbonate Hardness/Alkalinity Test Kit (Salifert)

For a discount at Drs. Foster and Smith use the Coupon code "Jeep" or "Dodge" for 15% off one order.

Mavrk · 08/20/2007, 12:23 AM

Schoch79 is right. In a FOWLR and cycling tank, those don't matter as much. But for reef, they are important. Like I said, it depends on what you are doing.

That said, I think I will be ordering the other 3 tests with my salifert order. Why doesn't salifert sell an all in one kit? Anyway, where is the best place to buy it?

Mavrk · 08/20/2007, 12:24 AM

oh yeah, phosphate

StinkFish · 08/20/2007, 02:09 AM

OK, so I'm looking for;

- Ammonia
- Nitrite
- Nitrate
- PH
- Phosphate
- Calcium
- Alkalinity
- Magnesium

I found all of them in the API brand, except for Magnesium.
Does API not make a Magnesium test?

- Ken

ArgonDreams · 08/20/2007, 08:42 AM

Magnesium isn't a "must have" it's a nice one too have but if you go without one that would be it. I use a Red Sea test kit.

trueperc · 08/20/2007, 09:41 AM

Sorry to jump on your reef club forum, but I saw this thread and thought I would put my 2 cents in, Personally I would stick with API test kits. There seems to be as of late issue with quality of salifert test kits check these links:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...hreadid=1117617

Even check out the salifert forum and see how many threads just on the first page that talk about problems with the test kits.

API are decent test kits

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...hreadid=1172582

StinkFish · 08/20/2007, 07:24 PM

Great info. Thanks.

- Ken

08/19/2007, 11:39 PM	#1
StinkFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aptos, CA. Posts: 20	Test Kits I need to get a new test kit. What tests should it contain? What brands are reliable? - Ken

08/20/2007, 12:07 AM	#3
schoch79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: hegins,pa Posts: 1,071	I agree with what mavrk said above but I would also include in those tests that are neccesary: alkilinity calcium magnesium (not as neccesary but still very important/helps in balancing alk and calcium) __________________ We'd better get back, 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night... mostly.

08/20/2007, 12:12 AM	#4
ArgonDreams Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 384	Actually, I am surprised no-one has said it yet... I use on a regular basis: Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate PH Phosphate Calcium Alkalinity Magnesium I have a Reef Test Kit and Saltwater Master test kit for regular tests from API. They are cheap and reasonably accurate for the cost. I also use Salifert for Calcium, Alkalinity and Nitrate which are the most important regular testing I do and I want as accurate as I can (Salifert) and a backup to double check a result when I get a false negative or false positive. However I think having a phosphate test kit is essential in ANY system from fish only on up. Massive help in algae issues. Links below for the kits I own: Saltwater Master Test Kit (API) Reef Master Liquid Test Kit (API) Calcium Test Kit (Salifert) Carbonate Hardness/Alkalinity Test Kit (Salifert) For a discount at Drs. Foster and Smith use the Coupon code "Jeep" or "Dodge" for 15% off one order. Last edited by ArgonDreams; 08/20/2007 at 12:18 AM.

08/20/2007, 02:09 AM	#7
StinkFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aptos, CA. Posts: 20	OK, so I'm looking for; - Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate - PH - Phosphate - Calcium - Alkalinity - Magnesium I found all of them in the API brand, except for Magnesium. Does API not make a Magnesium test? - Ken Last edited by StinkFish; 08/20/2007 at 02:18 AM.

08/20/2007, 12:03 AM	#2
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Salifert is probably the most highly rated here on this board. But they are expensive. I would use them as an occasional test and for testing if you get readings that concern you from another test. For daily testing I use API. But I am thinking of getting some cheap test strips for every day use, using the API for the every other day test (or somehthing like that), and getting Salifert for the weekly test. As far as what you need, it depends on the age of your tank and what you are keeping. You definately need the big 4: Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate pH

08/20/2007, 12:23 AM	#5
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Schoch79 is right. In a FOWLR and cycling tank, those don't matter as much. But for reef, they are important. Like I said, it depends on what you are doing. That said, I think I will be ordering the other 3 tests with my salifert order. Why doesn't salifert sell an all in one kit? Anyway, where is the best place to buy it?

08/20/2007, 12:24 AM	#6
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	oh yeah, phosphate

08/20/2007, 08:42 AM	#8
ArgonDreams Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 384	Magnesium isn't a "must have" it's a nice one too have but if you go without one that would be it. I use a Red Sea test kit.

08/20/2007, 09:41 AM	#9
trueperc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ottawa, On, Canada Posts: 788	Sorry to jump on your reef club forum, but I saw this thread and thought I would put my 2 cents in, Personally I would stick with API test kits. There seems to be as of late issue with quality of salifert test kits check these links: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...hreadid=1117617 Even check out the salifert forum and see how many threads just on the first page that talk about problems with the test kits. API are decent test kits http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...hreadid=1172582

08/20/2007, 07:24 PM	#10
StinkFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aptos, CA. Posts: 20	Great info. Thanks. - Ken