recommendation for alk and cal test kits?

[dano]

After having the two part sit aroiund for months I finally started to dose and so now I am looking for a good (e.g. cheap and accurate) test kit to make sure I am dosing correctly. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[rainbowfish]

I use API, it's cheap.

[Origami]

API makes a decently priced test kit for both alkalinity and calcium. I use them both for routine testing.

 

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1756505

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1306742

 

Elos also gets good review, but they're a little more expensive.

[Sikryd]

Alkalinity I like Salifert. Calcium I go with the cheapest - API

 

I also use another brand (any other is fine - just need a 2nd one) of test to test the Alkalinty. I do this just because I have found that alkalinity is the key for me as far as stability of the system and growth/happiness of my corals. Moreso for LPS.

[bluefunelement]

I use API but with larger vials - 12ml so that I don't have to cap and shake between each drop- the calcium doesn't mix well for example.

 

With 12ml it's just swirl open cap. Salifert on hand if anything seems suspect.

[El Camaron]

yeah i may get the salifer alk but for now API is the only one and double check it with red sea but that one sucks.

[onux20]

I really like the Tropic Marin ALK test.

Not sure if they changed the chemicals for the Ca/Mg test but it is now harder to decern color changes. But I still like it.

[zygote2k]

I've been testing various fish tanks for nearly 20 years now and I have found that 90% of the test kits out there just plain suck for various reasons. If you want ease of use, inexpensiveness, and accuracy, go with Salifert. If you want ultra-high precision, go with Lamotte. Lamotte is more expensive but they do offer refills so you don't have to buy a whole kit when the reagents run out.

[dano]

thanks to all for suggestions...have a great weekend

[bluefunelement]

yeah i may get the salifer alk but for now API is the only one and double check it with red sea but that one sucks.

 

The Red Sea basic one is a joke but now they have an Alkalinity Pro that looks to be a Salifert-style 2-part titration test.

I plan to get the Seachem as well as it resolves Borate vs Carbonate Alk - probably not needed but it's got Mag also so it's a good value.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/8/review