TEST KITS

[clearsky57]

This might be a tough one, but I'm wondering if there is a group concensus on what test kit is suggested for my aqauarium...

 

I'm sure there are several makes out there, but if it is something I can get from BRS I can add that to my wish list for the group order.

 

any thoughts on a hygrometer to get????

thanks

 

david

[benjipang]

Should get a refractometer instead... more accurate than hydrometer

[Jan]

I like the reef master kit from API.You absolutely need Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates and PH when cycling your tank. Then calcium, phosphate, alk and whatever you'll be dosing down the road.

Edited December 19, 2011 by Jan

[zygote2k]

Contrary to what Jan has stated, the API kits are generally on the low end of accuracy and I have found that you don't really need Ammonia or

Nitrite. Just get one of those 'dip strip' kits for the first few weeks of the cycle and throw it away when you're done with it.

You'll need the following tests-

Alk, Cal, Mg, P04, N03. If it doesn't have those tests, how can it be called "reef master kit"?

[Mando77]

Just get a good refractometer and an API test kit. Most test kits in my opinion are a waste of money. I think once an aquarium is cycled and running nicely you can tell whats going on by just looking at it. I have bought all types of test kits, the API isn't as accurate as the others but it still tells you if something is off or needs to be adjusted. Its more important to monitor PH, ALK, AMM, Nitrite and Nitrate at this point, so use API. If you want accuate readings of Cal, Mag, Iodine, Phos get a better brand like Red Sea (new/revised test kit) or Salifert test kits. Every tank is different, but I think this would fit most medium to small tank needs.

[SunWyrm]

Contrary to what Jan has stated, the API kits are generally on the low end of accuracy and I have found that you don't really need Ammonia or

Nitrite. Just get one of those 'dip strip' kits for the first few weeks of the cycle and throw it away when you're done with it.

You'll need the following tests-

Alk, Cal, Mg, P04, N03. If it doesn't have those tests, how can it be called "reef master kit"?

 

I disagree with zygote here. If you intend to run a hospital tank it is imperative that you have Ammonia or Nitrite tests. With that being said, if you are quarantining every fish for 6-8 weeks and can be positive ich is not introduced to your system then I agree all you will need is the dip strip kits.

[clearsky57]

oK... Common agreement on the refractometer....

 

but i sort of figured i would open a hornets nest here on opinions on test kits....

 

so something like the API reef kit, is an all inclusive kit, where some of the others are individual, is that correct...

[Jan]

Yes. A couple of companys make reef test kits.

 

oK... Common agreement on the refractometer....

 

but i sort of figured i would open a hornets nest here on opinions on test kits....

 

so something like the API reef kit, is an all inclusive kit, where some of the others are individual, is that correct...

[wvreef]

I have the api and it is hard to read....for me that is...I am switching to salifirt (spelling is wrong) or red sea not sure which one yet...I will be getting the hanna checkers when i get the money for them...they r the best imo

[Steve175]

+ 1 for simple strips while tank is cycling and spend the money now on more reliable/consistent/accurate tests: I now use Hanna Checkers for Phosphate, Alk, and Calcium; Salifert for Mag; and Red Sea for Nitrate.