Need to buy more test kits

[sarah_nick]

Hi,

 

I currently test the following using an API Test Kit:

 

PH

Nitrite

Nitrate

Ammonia

 

I want to start testing:

Calcium

Alkalinity

Iodine

 

I have a few of questions....

 

1. Should I be testing for anything else?

 

2. Do API do test kits on the three things I want to test (I'm thinking I may need to add these things so want to test before I do), and if not, what other brand would be good to try?

 

3. UK stockists for them??

 

Thanks

[marinetanker]

Hi,

 

I currently test the following using an API Test Kit:

 

PH

Nitrite

Nitrate

Ammonia

 

I want to start testing:

Calcium

Alkalinity

Iodine

 

I have a few of questions....

 

1. Should I be testing for anything else?

 

2. Do API do test kits on the three things I want to test (I'm thinking I may need to add these things so want to test before I do), and if not, what other brand would be good to try?

 

3. UK stockists for them??

 

Thanks

 

hi i go by salfert and hagen, they are the best imo.

 

1st also buy a stroium test kit

 

as for adding the calcium and stronium etc, i use seachem reef complete,(heres the link http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pa...fComplete.html) it has an easy to follow dosing instructions for novice, experienced and expet. i follow novice at mo, and you only need to test these every week till you can add as much as consumption by ur corals etc to keep levels steady.

[vangvace]

Hi,

 

I currently test the following using an API Test Kit:

 

PH

Nitrite

Nitrate

Ammonia

 

I want to start testing:

Calcium

Alkalinity

Iodine

 

I have a few of questions....

 

1. Should I be testing for anything else?

 

2. Do API do test kits on the three things I want to test (I'm thinking I may need to add these things so want to test before I do), and if not, what other brand would be good to try?

 

3. UK stockists for them??

 

Thanks

 

I wouldn't worry about Iodine, but I would get a Magnesium test kit. There are 3 different major forms of Iodine in a reef aquarium and most test kits only test for 1 of them. It's just too easy to overdose and nuke a tank.

 

With a standard water change regiment, Nitrates, Alk, Ca, Mg, and pH are the only test kits that need for most nano-reefers.

 

Avoid Red Sea test kits though and you'll be good.

 

Hagen, API, Salifert, Elos are all suitable brands.

[The Propagator]

Considering cost effectiveness and accuracy versus the more expensive calcium and alkalinity test kits I prefer API for both. They are very cost effective and accurate IMO.

 

For your Magnesium I would use either Seachem , Salifert, or Elos.

The list above also reflects cost effectiveness in order of appearance.

(To my knowledge API does not make a magnesium test kit yet. Please do not be tempted to buy a RedSea magnesium test kit. they are only about $9.00 US but they suck like nothing else can. They are usually off from 500-800PPM which is HUGE.)

 

All should be readily available in the UK.