BIG THREE: What Test Kits are you using for ALK, CAL, MAG in 2021?

[Gernader]

I use Hanna for ALK. I don’t have mag and cal test kits , but my acros are happy and growing fast though.

 

[Snuggs]

Red Sea pro Started when my tank was new And just kept with it. Refills are reasonable and they are easy

 

[JosephM]

I use hanna for alk, Red Sea for calc, and salifert for magnesium.

 

[Fastball16]

I too use the Instant Ocean hydrometer. It's cheap, easy to use, and seems pretty accurate. Only complaint is the needle sometimes getting stuck with salt.

I rinse mine after each test with the distiller water I use for top off.

 

[weamdog]

If stability is the name of the game, then why change unless you have no choice.

Trident (don't trust) & Hanna ca,mg,dkh
Hanna PO4
Salifert NO3
Salifert tests coming for iodine and potassium when they arrive.

 

[ssunthar]

Been using API when i started my tank and still using it. Realized that there are many brands and each one specialises on different chem elements being tested. Would like to know if there is a table showing which brand is good for which chem elements available? Thanks.

 

[Sharkbait19]

I rinse mine after each test with the distiller water I use for top off.

I do too, but I guess sometimes I don't do it thorough enough, because salt always crystalizes the next day...

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Been using API when i started my tank and still using it. Realized that there are many brands and each one specialises on different chem elements being tested. Would like to know if there is a table showing which brand is good for which chem elements available? Thanks.

Read through this thread once more. Getting 500 reefers to agree on something just won't happen.

 

[ssunthar]

Read through this thread once more. Getting 500 reefers to agree on something just won't happen.

 

[weamdog]

Read through this thread once more. Getting 500 reefers to agree on something just won't happen.

I think you may find the greatest agreement on anything but API

 

[DivingTheWorld]

Alkatronic & Hanna for Alk
Salifert for Calcium & Magnesium

I’ve tried multiple test kits for the big three and these IMO are the easiest and most accurate.

 

[Twoddler]

Used a few test kits but goto ones are

Alk - Hanna - quick, easy and reliable, expensive though
Ca - Redsea Pro, A bit fiddly to use, but pretty reliable
Ma - Redsea, easy to use

 

[waynel]

Hanna for everything except SG and Magnesium. I use Red Sea for Magnesium (which I test very rarely), and I have a ATC refractometer I calibrate often to check SG.

 

[Peace River]

I currently use Hanna checkers for Alk, Phosphate, and Calcium, and RedSea for Magnesium. I would love to upgrade to the Alkatronic and Mastertronic.

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

Any reputable brand of test kit will do; Red Sea, or Salifert, etc. Had errors from some API test strips, so don't trust API tests.

 

[sp1187]

I started out with the API basic kit.
I have difficulty with the color charts.
using Hanna checkers now.
and what ever the lfs uses when I take a sample in to them.

 

[fowler279]

I use Hanna for Alk and Cal. Always have. Never really tried anything else but they are easy enough and dont seem to have any issues with the readings.

Aquaforest for Mag. Simple test and get reliable results. I do mess it up from time to time but usually cause im not paying attention when testing.

I think if anything would be more apt to try something new for Mag. Alk and Calc are pretty spot on for me.

 

[Research Monkey]

Just started my saltwater journey a few months ago. Used API Freshwater kit that I had on hand for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. Never had a problem with that kit so I bought the Reef Master kit which I used for Alk, Calcium, and Phosphates... Didnt like how the Phosphate test doesnt really provide any variance between 0-.25.... Purchased used Hanna Checkers for Alk, Calcium, Phosphate, and Nitrate. Really like how easy the Alk and Phosphate checkers are... Calcium and Nitrate are move involved. Purchased a Nyos kit for Mag which i'm still getting used to.

I'm in need of a drying rack or something though... so many test tubes, pipettes, droppers, caps, etc.

 

[DH78]

I use Hannah for Alk and Ca. I use Red Sea for Magnesium.
I chose these test kits because of my color blindness. The Red Sea Magnesium is one of the few color changes I can see accurately.
If Hannah ever makes a Mg tester, I will buy that as well.

 

[Mark'os Reef]

Alk=Hanna, Ca Mg=Red Sea

Love the ease of Hanna, hoping to get the new PH model for my B-day