Salfert versus Combo test kits

[mling]

Is it worth the extra bucks to use Salfert individual test kits versus the Combo test kits like Red Sea ?

Which is the best combo test kits.  The large difference in prices makes you ponder the "you get what you pay for" ...

[Tracy G]

Yes. At least for me it was easier to read

 

 

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[mling]

I have the Salifert for Nitrate and I thought

 

Yes. At least for me it was easier to read


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I have the Salifert for Nitrate and I thought differentiating the colors was a pain ... all those different shades of pink.

You mean it is worse with the combo kits ?

[Tracy G]

The combo kits (depending on what one I had API) shading was harder. I found it easier to use the Salifert and the shading is really not bad once you get used to it. I use Hanna myself for everything but Mag, and Nitrate and have liked them.

 

 

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[Big Country]

I bought the Red Sea Calc, Alk, Mg kit and find it very easy to read, the results have been comparable to my salifert test kits.

[Apcoleman]

I just picked up the Red Sea Calc, Alk and Mg kit when Quantum did their recent sale and I prefer it to my salifert.

[mling]

I just picked up the Red Sea Calc, Alk and Mg kit when Quantum did their recent sale and I prefer it to my salifert.

 

Why do you prefer it to the Salifert ?  Is it easier to use ?   Like not as many steps to do ....  I am lazy ...

[howaboutme]

I picked up the red sea alk,ca and mg kit from brs during black friday. i like it but IMO it's not "easy". it's also not too hard either. I have a salifert NO3 test and to compare, the salifert is easier. I say this not based on the number of steps but by the type of equipment used and how they are handled. Hopefully I'm not confusing you more, Mike.

 

However, I do get a kick out of being able to fit everything right back into the black box each time. Apparently, some have had trouble doing that.

 

Oh..and..yes, taking a reading is easier as you're comparing 2 contrasting colors as opposed to a gradation of color.

Edited January 28, 2014 by howaboutme

[Apcoleman]

Why do you prefer it to the Salifert ?  Is it easier to use ?   Like not as many steps to do ....  I am lazy ...

The instructions are clear as day and easy to use, the kits are well labeled and a big plus is that you can buy the reagents separate when you run out rather than having to buy the whole kit over again.  

[zygote2k]

Best nitrate test kit on the market for ease of use and color gradation is LaMotte. It's the most expensive too. Best for situations when N03 is less than 40.

[AlanM]

I like the color change titrations for Ca, Mg and alk in the red sea pro, I think salifert is the same?

 

I think the nitrate and phosphate ones from red sea pro are ok. The color comparison is a bit easier for me compared with holding the vial up against a card with the wheel and holder and reference sample of the red sea pro.

[mling]

..........t you can buy the reagents separate when you run out rather than having to buy the whole kit over again.  

 

I have decided to get Red Sea for this reason since besides being lazy I am also cheap.