Favorite test kit

[Tyler22]

Hey everybody, I've been shopping around for the best test kit for testing magnesium, calcium, alkalinty, etc... what's your personal favorite test kit brand, and why?

 

[kb1094]

Red Sea.
-Very accurate.
-Easy to use.
-Good feedback from customers.
-you can buy refills. You don't have to buy another test kit again.

 

[Tyler22]

I'll definitely look into that. I've read good reviews on the Red Sea. Thanks!

 

[phillrodrigo]

Salifert. But I don't mind the red sea either. Some of the red sea kits are thought to be off some it's mostly the magnesium from what I know

 

[tonizzy22]

Red Sea Calcium Pro , Red Sea Magnesium Pro, Red Sea Nitrate Pro, Hanna Checker Alkalinity, and Hanna Checker Phosphate, For Magnesium you must follow the directions exactly to Red Sea YouTube video. The quick guide card is a little misleading and I had a bunch of inaccurate readings because of it. After watching the video I found the test to be easy and accurate. I dislike the Red Sea Alkalinity Pro I found the reagents to go bad quickly and shift colors because the dye is already mixed into it. It starts out red then half way through the bottle its orange. Also the end color that you look for at the titration portion of the test changes. I also dislike the Red Sea Phosphate Pro because the it is hard to tell the difference between the different shades of yellow and green.

 

[RMc93]

I've always been happy with Red Sea pro for trace elements. I don't bother testing anything else.

 

[Tyler22]

Thanks for all the replies everybody, I think I'm going to go with the Red Sea test kit. Thanks for the advice on watching the YouTube video, otherwise I never would've thought to look past the guide card.

 

[RMc93]

I could bring mine in for you if you want to see them before buying.

 

[Tyler22]

I could bring mine in for you if you want to see them before buying.

That would be very much appreciated for sure.

 

[Triggreef]

Another four red sea here. I like hanna for po4 though. Make sure your testing for anything your dosing. Especially things with iodine. I'm learning my lesson with that over the last few weeks.

 

[Tyler22]

It looks like I'll be going with the red sea test kits based on everyones opinion on them. On a somewhat related tangent, what are you guys dosing your tanks with (what elements, and what brand)?

 

[FLSharkvictim]

I use 2 different test kits, the first one I USE FOR MY Alk, Cal and PO4 is the Hanna Checker! 2nd test kit I use is the Elos kit for my Mag, Nitrate, Nitrites. In my opinion, those are the two best for being accurate.

 

[Schwabie33]

I prefer Hanna checkers just for sake of ease for alk, cal, and phosphate. Red Sea for others.

I have no experience but my mom swears by elos

 

[Blitzie]

I use Hannah and Salifert for Alk
Red Sea for Calcium
Salifert for Mag.
Salifert for Potassium
Hannah for Phosphate