Test Kit

[ZADL11]

Hey guys,

 

I'm ready to buy a test kit for my new 20 gallon long reef tank. Which test kits are the best in your opinion? I've been leaning towards by this one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EUE808/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=TTPTHDU7B09G&coliid=I5BKYKVXTW58Q&psc=1

 

But I've been hearing API test kits are not accurate? Can you guys please give me some feedback on which one I should buy? Thanks!

[Simulated Fish]

Hey guys,

 

I'm ready to buy a test kit for my new 20 gallon long reef tank. Which test kits are the best in your opinion? I've been leaning towards by this one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EUE808/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=TTPTHDU7B09G&coliid=I5BKYKVXTW58Q&psc=1

 

But I've been hearing API test kits are not accurate? Can you guys please give me some feedback on which one I should buy? Thanks!

You'll use those test while you cycle and then rarely touch it. If your going to get a test kit get one that has calc Alk and mag.

 

There is nothing wrong with API its just a case of you get what you pay for.

[ZADL11]

You'll use those test while you cycle and then rarely touch it. If your going to get a test kit get one that has calc Alk and mag.

 

There is nothing wrong with API its just a case of you get what you pay for.

 

Thanks for the info. How's this one?

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FUJ5NE?keywords=red%20sea%20test%20kit&qid=1453663143&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

[Simulated Fish]

Thanks for the info. How's this one?

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FUJ5NE?keywords=red%20sea%20test%20kit&qid=1453663143&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

Redsea is popular but can tedious to clean and maintain. Same with API though being a budget kit it has a high room for error. That said all hobby test kits will have a +/- tolerance.

 

salifert is a good test kit, but is a bit more. The Hanna checkers are also quite nice since they are digital read outs.

 

In the end you don't always want to be chasing magic numbers, find the balance for your tank and keep it within that range.

 

Personally I don't test anything anymore unless I am cycling or have an issue pop up, I don't keep any SPS though.

[chlorinated]

Elos test kits are the only brand that are tested agains NIST standards. Alot of people trust them including myself. A bit more expencive than API but worth it in my opinion.

[Tamberav]

I use hanna checker for alk and phosphate.

 

Then redsea or salifert or elos for Mg/Ca/Nitrate. Whatever is on sale at the time.

 

API for ammonia (for cycling and QT tanks).

 

My apex monitors pH but again, not really something that needs to be monitored.

 

I don't see any point in testing nitrite.

[Sunstar]

I use, Salifert:

Nitrate

PH

Calcium

ALk

Mag

 

API

Phosphate

Ammonia

Copper