Best Test Kits??

[canisson]

As I am relatively (ok, completely) new to nanos and SW tanks, I need opinions on which test kit or kits to buy. I know I need pH, trates and trites, and ammonia tests, but what else do I really need? I used RO/DI bottled water to start, adding LR and thinking of some LS as well. Any brand or manufacturer names I should know about?

 

Help for the newbies is greatly appreciated. I should know.???

[Raise]

Salifert brand test kits are the way to go.

Youll need Calcium and alk/dkh tests aswell. I think the only ones youll need thoe most are the Calkc, Ph, and alk-dkh, thats not to say the others arent important but ones your tank gets up and running you might not need em as much.

[Physh1]

I use Salifert for the calcium/alk/mag/trates levels and use Tetra kits for the basics like ph/amm/trites

 

I use the tetra kits, they seem to be just as reliable and accurate, for the basics as they are significantly cheaper than the saliferts.

 

Cameron

[canisson]

Thanx for the info Cameron. I am looking for the Tetra Basics kit in my area, but no one seems to have any right now....and I haven't seen a Salifert kit anywhere. Do all the lfs in my area just suck or what?!?!

 

Rob

[Physh1]

Not all places sell salifert. Salifert will likely be sold as reef intensive stores. You may have to go mail order for them, which would save you a few bucks. Tetra kits are fairly popular so lots of stores carry them. You should be able to find them locally.

 

Cameron

[freakaccident]

Saliferts are great but make sure you understand the instructions. They aren't moron proof. They are a PITA until you memorize the procedure for each test. If you buy them at a LFS make sure the little nipple is in the box before you buy it.