Testing kits

[TheCrockers200]

Looking for opinions on best testing kits to use while cycling a new tank and thereafter. We’re planning on being pretty vigilant and patient when cycling this new tank up and are interested in what everyone else recommends. I did not realize there were so many brands ?

[OPtasia]

Your test kits are going to be as good as the reagents are. Look for a brand of test kits that has both a lot number and a "use by" date printed on the box. API are the most common ones on the market but they're made with cheap reagents and you can never tell the production date on them. Personally, I like the red sea kits but Salifert and other brands are also great. Just get them as fresh as you can.

 

As an aside, there are a few digital kits by hannah that are very good. They only make three of them for testing calcium, alkalinity and phosphate, but with a digital readout, you won't have to guess at a color on a color chart to know the results. 

 

Ask your LFS what they use and what they sell the most of. Anything that's been collecting dust on the shelf, you might want to avoid.

[Clown79]

For Ammonia and nitrite API is fine.

 

Nitrate, alk, ca, mag salifert

 

Phosphates salifert or Hanna checker