Just getting into saltwater tanks, what are the best inexpensive test kits?

[Slipstream06]

Looking for recommendations on testing kits to purchase.

[silent_circle]

Api is an inexpensive kit. I'm sure it not super accurate but it does the job

[Marchillo]

What is inexpensive? API is fine when you start out and tracking a cycle but later on you want to upgrade to something a little better. I like salifert but Red Sea pro is also popular. I will still use my API and if my Nitrate is anything but bright yellow (undetectable) I'll retest with the salifert to figure out where I'm at since I can test for low levels much easier.

[laga77]

When you use API kits, be sure to follow directions exactly as written. If it says shake for 30 seconds, time it. A lot of people do not follow the directions and have poor results.

[reefbroao]

API, I use them for some tests and it normally is accurate but +1 to laga. read the directions I've had it come through saying I have ph at 7 or nitrate at 20. that's why I always test twice. i have noticed the API test kits 5 Ml line is not accurate thus I use a syringe to measure before testing.

BUT I use ELOS now and I've never had a problem with their results.

I read about a trial where they testing all of the major brands multiple times and all kits had minor in-consistencies

[Crusinjimbo]

Considering the costs associated with every element of this "hobby" I would question the logic of basing the evaluation of the systems health on "inexpensive" testing materials. Invest in quality tests kits and maintain test result history. The first question asked of members seeking advise on water quality numbers is what test kits are you using. It does matter.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Crusinjimbo

Considering the costs associated with every element of this "hobby" I would question the logic of basing the evaluation of the systems health on "inexpensive" testing materials. Invest in quality tests kits and maintain test result history. The first question asked of members seeking advise on water quality numbers is what test kits are you using. It does matter.

I agree. I use Elos.

[CStrickland]

I think it depends.
A $22 elos ammonia test isn't telling you anything relevant that a $6 seachem badge isn't.

[gone fishin]

I like the salifert tests. For me they are the easiest to read and more importantly for me they are consistent. good luck

[billdogg]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

I like the salifert tests. For me they are the easiest to read and more importantly for me they are consistent. good luck

What he said

[toothybugs]

This chemist likes titrations with VERY obvious color swings so I use Red Sea Pro for most of my testing. The base kit for alk, Ca, mag will run you around 40 bucks and will last around a year, give or take depending on how nutty you get with testing - but then you have the luxury of just reordering reagents and not a complete new kit.

I also use Salifert for nitrate and phosphate, though I'll probably invest in a Hanna unit because I despise matching to a color card. Any shadowing and it's brutal to get an accurate fix on where you are. Plus I work in the coatings/ inks industry so I know how the color can vary from lot to lot and I don't entirely trust the cards for that.

[dendrite]

I don't care if my dKH is 8.2 or 8.4, since it will vary on a diurnal basis or on where the tank is on the dosing schedule. I do care to know that it is somewhere around 8. For that the API is quick, cheap and incredibly easy to use so I will use it often. I use a Hanna Checker for phosphate every week for so. Being human, the more involved the test is the less likely you are to do it

[Ron Reefman]

I have both API and Salifert. I use the API because they are easy and cheap and fast. If I get a crazy reading I double check and if it's still crazy I check again using the Salifert.

Do I care if my Ca is 440 or 460? No. Do I care if my alk is 8.2dKH or 8.6dKH? No. So why all the hupla over more expensive test kits? And they are not any more accurate, they just appear to be because they read down to smaller units than API. I've had 2 Salifert Ca test kits and got quite different readings (480 vs 520) and that difference was repeatable. IMHO you are kidding yourself if you think they are more accurate.