New to the Salt World

MacFishBabies · Mar 23, 2021

Hi there!
I am going on three years of running my saltwater tank. I had been so use to fresh water tanks I wasn’t sure I could handle this, but after a couple years, a new tank, a sump set up and tons and tons of reading on Reef2Reef forums I think I’m getting the hang of it.
I need some advice, I have been using the API drops testing kit for monitoring the levels of my tank but I am feeling like it isn’t very accurate especially when it comes to the PH and Nitrate levels. I saw there is a fantastic Hannah brand giveaway going on... if I don’t win it, (I never win anything) would you all say it’s worth investing the money and buying?

Peace River · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! There is a range of opinions - I personally use several of the Hanna checkers and find them helpful.

SPR1968 · Mar 23, 2021

Hi and Welcome to R2R!!!

BeltedCoyote · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

Arabyps · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to the source! Definitely use Hana checkers but for Nitrate I use Nyos. Don't use API as there are many posts here about false readings.

Zach B · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome :) Some of their products are great for checking parameters. I really like their alkalinity checker and also have their calcium checker which is a little harder to use. I use salifert test kits as well which are highly recommended as an alternative. Good luck!

PeterB113 · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R. I use hanna salinity checker, dkh checker, nitrate checker, and ph i use a cheap meter i got off amazon.API is good for ammonia only IMO. i use red sea for calcium and salifert for magnesium. Hope it helps. POST YOUR TANK I WANNNA SEEEE

Billldg · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

D4jack · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to reef2reef!

KingTideCorals · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to in my opinion on of the best hobbies in the world! This hobby is an opportunity to recreate a piece of the ocean in the comfort of your home! Reef2Reef is a great place to be to learn all about the hobby, and can find some valuable resources!

If you are looking for maybe something to watch on your free time and get a better for feel for reef keeping come check out my channel on YouTube! Could be some helpful tips! Hope to chat soon, cheers!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDEnKhibcZ_5Xg0fvJGi1Yg

SaltyT · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R! We're glad you joined us!

Fred2482 · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome! I love the hanna alk and phosphate tester.

CMMorgan · Mar 23, 2021

MacFishBabies said:
Hi there!
I am going on three years of running my saltwater tank. I had been so use to fresh water tanks I wasn’t sure I could handle this, but after a couple years, a new tank, a sump set up and tons and tons of reading on Reef2Reef forums I think I’m getting the hang of it.
I need some advice, I have been using the API drops testing kit for monitoring the levels of my tank but I am feeling like it isn’t very accurate especially when it comes to the PH and Nitrate levels. I saw there is a fantastic Hannah brand giveaway going on... if I don’t win it, (I never win anything) would you all say it’s worth investing the money and buying?

Welcome to the fishy family!! I REALLY want to get the salinity checker. I think it is a personal preference. Maybe if I could try the Hannah Checker for Alk, etc. at a LFS or fellow reefers place, I'd jump in. We all discover whet we like best. I'm growing to hate anything colormetric, so hoping to win that give a way, too. LOL

WIReefer · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

Jeffcb · Mar 23, 2021

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!

MacFishBabies · Mar 23, 2021

Arabyps said:
Welcome to the source! Definitely use Hana checkers but for Nitrate I use Nyos. Don't use API as there are many posts here about false readings.

Shoot, thanks for your advice! I will start switching over then :)

MacFishBabies · Mar 23, 2021

CMMorgan said:
Welcome to the fishy family!! I REALLY want to get the salinity checker. I think it is a personal preference. Maybe if I could try the Hannah Checker for Alk, etc. at a LFS or fellow reefers place, I'd jump in. We all discover whet we like best. I'm growing to hate anything colormetric, so hoping to win that give a way, too. LOL

Thanks, Hahaha yea wouldn’t winning be a nice clean and easy way to switch over!