Test kits...bleech

[Steve Maxwell]

I'm about used most of my reagents in my API test kit (pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, Ca, Phos, etc.) and before I buy any more I was wondering if there are better kits out there? I know this is very subjective, but I'd like to do some research before spending more $$$

Ideally, I would love to get some that are easier to read! I hate having to figure out...am I looking at this in sufficient light; I'm holding this up to the card but it looks like I'm getting some shadowing from somewhere; is this this color...this color...or in between; etc. Huge pain in the rear IMHO. Once I get my Apex running I'll have the pH taken care of, but that's about it.

 

[CodyRVA]

I went from API to Salifert and I was blown away... Not only by how accurate Salifert is, but by how HORRIBLY AWFUL API is. API kits are garbage, I don't know why they even make the dang things. I also like Salifert because they're kind of mid range in price, not as expensive as those red sea kits, or the electronic hanna checkers and stuff like that. Most of the Salifert test kits change color to determine your levels, so it's not comparing a color to a card, when the color changes, you compare the value of the remaining reagent to a chart and it gives you the read out. I wouldn't waste my time trying to refill API test kits, I would absolutely upgrade, even if its not Salifert, API is a wast of time and money.

 

[dewboy1127]

Use salifert for everything except phosphate which i use the hanna checker

 

[rayn]

I do like the Red Sea, remember there are two versions of them, regular and pro. Pro costing more. I have used salifert in the past as well with good results. Only thing I use API for is ammonia and nitrite.

 

[twilliard]

Red sea pro for no3 and po4
Hanna for dkh

 

[cmcoker]

I use Red sea Pro for all, they also have refills available so you don't have to buy the whole new kit every time. You can just replace the reagents.

 

[alin2]

I've used API, Salifert, Elos, Nyos, Hanna, Red Sea, etc. Given the limitations of providing a reasonably accurate and precise result at a reasonable hobbyist price, these are my preferences while acknowledging they are all a bit of a PITA:

1. PO4: Hanna ULR checker or Red Sea Pro (uses a color wheel)
2. Ca: Elos or Red Sea Pro
3. Mg: Red Sea Pro (by far the best I think)
4. Alk: Hanna Alk checker
5. NO3: Nyos, Elos, Red Sea Pro
6. NH3: Elos
7. Cu: Salifert

 

[brandon429]

The reason an api ammonia test kit should not be ever factored into any reefing decisions is it will read .25 in the least, most of the time. the few accurate test kits are enough to cause mass mini cycle confusion for 16 years. api ammonia test kit readings caused the mini cycle fad, where looking at your tank wrong sends it into a cycle sustained for 20 days seemingly

 

[Ryengoth]

Alk: Hanna for daily testing, with Red Sea as a double-check periodically.
Ammonia: My nose mostly.. and Red Sea when I need verification of level.
Nitrates/Nitrites: Red Sea
Ca: Red Sea. I have a Hanna and it's not consistent, but I use it in a pinch.
Mg: Red Sea only. The reagent and titration method is a major pain, but it's the most accurate IMO.
Phos: Hanna and an occasional double-check with Salifert using a white LED desk lamp.
Idodine: Salifert only
Strontium: Salifert only