Best test kits ? Pros n cons?

[Smitty126]

I’m 2.5 weeks in ghost feeding n shrimp method. Got this api kit just to watch the progress . I know they’re not the best . Wonder what everyone’s uses these days . I read on the Hannah’s but see where some don’t like those either. So let’s ask the group . Easy, best, more in depth ones ? .

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Salifert and Red Sea are what I use. Some people have issues distinguishing the colors on the phosphate test kit for Salifert; however, I find it to be relatively accurate. I would get Hanna test kits, but they are a little out of my price range (maybe one day)!

 

[adova]

Price aside - any thoughts on the Hanna Master Test Kit ?

 

[fandaga]

Hanna phosphate, nitrate, and alk
Salifert calcium and magnesium
TM hydrometer for salinity

That’s really all you need. Maybe ammonia and copper checkers for QT

 

[chapter7]

Price aside - any thoughts on the Hanna Master Test Kit ?

Price aside, I really like this kit. Everything is in one place and it makes it much easier for me cause it has onscreen step by step instructions for each test. For someone like me who forgets things all the time (or rather chooses not to remember,) it really gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm doing things correctly and consistently.

Previously I purchased the Alkalinity, Nitrate, and Phosphate kits separately and used those for a couple of months, but found myself re-reading the instructions every time ... which made me really dizzy.

Now, I can perform all 6 tests (pH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, and Phosphate) in under 30 minutes! As a bonus, it stores all your results and syncs with your phone for reference. The price is pretty sick now, but if you can wait for the sales, especially Black Friday, that should help. Short of the elusive Hydros Maven, I would def recommend this.

Here's a pic for the graph section of the app ......

 

[slingfox]

Hanna for Alk, Nitrate and Phosphate
Hanna also for Copper during fish QT
I have Salifert the Mag and Calcium but rarely test those
Need a reliable way to measure salinity like the TM Hydrometer or VeeGee Refractometer

 

[oakcityreefer]

If you’re colorblind like myself then Hanna is the only choice.

Milwaukee for salinity

 

[Evil1]

Salifert

 

[RWReefer]

Hanna phosphate, nitrate, and alk
Salifert calcium and magnesium
TM hydrometer for salinity

That’s really all you need. Maybe ammonia and copper checkers for QT

Exact set up I use and would also recommend.

 

[jeremym]

If you’re colorblind like myself then Hanna is the only choice.

Milwaukee for salinity

I make my spouse read the colors since I can't tell them myself either.

 

[ReefNutsThailand]

I've used API many years ago, then change to Salifert ,I like Salifert because it's easy and accurate.. until I think it's more difficult for me to read colour ha ha (getting old )
Now I decide to use Hanna Marine Master, yes!! It's very costly but only my personal reason, I'm glad to prepare my expenses for the hobby...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Price aside - any thoughts on the Hanna Master Test Kit ?

I see little reason to want most of the tests in it.

pH, no, a meter is better
Alkalinity, yes
Ammonia, how often would you measure ammonia? no
Calcium, no
Magnesium, no
Nitrate, OK
Nitrite, no
Phosphate ok

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think a DIY alk titration is more reliable and cheaper than any test kit, as long as you already have a pH meter.

https://www.reefedition.com/a-diy-alkalinity-test-by-randy-holmes-farley/

 

[BryanM]

Price aside - any thoughts on the Hanna Master Test Kit ?

I like it, the idea of it, and absolutely hate the reliability of hanna reagents.

I had to test phosphate 3 times last night to finally get a reading of .29, the first two were both Zero.

 

[exnisstech]

Hanna for NO3, PO4, and alk. Salifert for calcium. I don't test anything else.