test kits.

[BoneXriffic]

So. I have been using API. Which i know can be iffy. Im du to re up my kits. Whats the best brand? Salifert? Red sea?. I need to get mag, ca, alk, phos, and ph....i will mix and matxh if one brand is better than another in different fields. Thanks fuys!

 

[Sabellafella]

Well cant really put a finger on the best test kits but what ive found most reliable is
Alk - salifert and hannah
Calc - salifert elos and nyos
Mag - nyos
P04 - hannah lowrange box
Ph - any test kit but if i had to, i would prefer salifert

 

[BoneXriffic]

Thanks, the biggest point i see being made is api is not in this list anywhere lol

 

[Triggerjay]

Not a big deal, but the Nyos mag kit only goes to 1500.

 

[Sabellafella]

Not a big deal, but the Nyos mag kit only goes to 1500.

Theres test kits that go higher? You could just double up on the titration reagent and do some math to get a higher answer. I just got the nyos recently and compared to all the others i love it, its the easyest and most accurate out of all the mag test kits ive used

 

[Sabellafella]

Thanks, the biggest point i see being made is api is not in this list anywhere lol

Theres nothing wrong with api test kits, but your going to need a new alk calc and p04 test kit. So if money is limited, i would look into that first.

 

[BoneXriffic]

Theres nothing wrong with api test kits, but your going to need a new alk calc and p04 test kit. So if money is limited, i would look into that first.

Its so tight that i cant get something more accurate and consistant. But it is a consideration. I have such a hard time maintaining a 400plus calc that i have to test daily at the moment

 

[Sabellafella]

Its so tight that i cant get something more accurate and consistant. But it is a consideration. I have such a hard time maintaining a 400plus calc that i have to test daily at the moment

And you use api for calc? To be honest api calc and p04 are completely worthless. I would first get those before anything.

 

[BoneXriffic]

Sorry i meant money is not so tight that i cant... i was just ignorant and uninformed... but i want to move in the right direction.

 

[smh254]

Here is what I use and y. REDSEA
NO3 it's easier for me to read than Salifert.
ALK less steps.
Calcium only tried redsea and api.
SALIFERT
Magnesium easier to use than Red Sea.
Alk used to compare.
Potassium doesn't take as long to test.
HANNA
P04. Easiest to use.
APEX
PH
Temp
Refractometer
Salinity

 

[Opus]

I use API for Alk and Calcium, have for years. I check a few times a week so don't want to use the more expensive kits. I will test using my Hanna checkers every couple of weeks and the API kits are within reason to them.

 

[Adamwheel]

I use Salifert for everything except phosphate (Hanna Ultra low phosphorous and convert to phosphate) and am happy.

API sucks. I'm sure any of the mentioned brands are fine otherwise.

Good luck,
Adam

 

[BoneXriffic]

I guess ill have to break down and buy a hanna for phos... ive always used a trashy hydrometer. And had lfs check occasionally with a refractometer and im usually spot on. Its calc mag and phos and alc is the biggest for me right now lol.

Tha ks for the help i think i may mix it up a bit and try a few and test against lfs

 

[ksc]

Here's a good thread concerning test kits. Which one is best? No one really knows...

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...s-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-3

 

[PatW]

API is ok for quick and dirty Alk and Calcium. I like Red Sea pro for nitrate. Hanna is the way to go for phosphates. I use Red Sea for magnesium but I hear that Salifert is better. I use Red Sea for ammonia.

 

[dbl]

I will share another point of view, so take it or leave it. The best test kit is the one that is easiest for you to read and perform consistently. The goal should be to maintain a stable environment.

So get your parameters where you want them, do what you need to keep them there, and shoot for consistent test results test over test. They are all hobby grade tests kits afterall. It comes down to which is easiest for the user to perform and read consistently.

This is of course just my opinion.

 

[BoneXriffic]

I will share another point of view, so take it or leave it. The best test kit is the one that is easiest for you to read and perform consistently. The goal should be to maintain a stable environment.

So get your parameters where you want them, do what you need to keep them there, and shoot for consistent test results test over test. They are all hobby grade tests kits afterall. It comes down to which is easiest for the user to perform and read consistently.

This is of course just my opinion.

Amen. Thats the slap in the face i needed lol.

And seeing what people perfer i am trying some salifert to try.

Glad i did i was out of alk for a week tested today an im at 12.5...

Still using api for calc at moment.

Thank you all