Testing the Waters: What method of testing water parameters is best?

[AlyciaMarie]

Managing nutrients and parameters in our home reefs can be a pain. Sometimes, it can be more of a pain than other times, depending on how you're testing. I feel like most reefers start with manual tests and end up with reef controllers. But which method is best?

What method of testing water parameters is best? And why?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have to do it manually with old-fashioned tools right now. However, if I had automated testing, I would do that instead!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Managing nutrients and parameters in our home reefs can be a pain. Sometimes, it can be more of a pain than other times, depending on how you're testing. I feel like most reefers start with manual tests and end up with reef controllers. But which method is best?

What method of testing water parameters is best? And why?

That gif is creepy.....

 

[AlyciaMarie]

That gif is creepy.....

 

[Crabs McJones]

As someone who is missing that toe, i take offense!

 

[Crabs McJones]

But to answer your question, manual testing has always been my preference.
The salifert or red sea test kits were my favorite.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

But to answer your question, manual testing has always been my preference.
The salifert or red sea test kits were my favorite.

Those are the two I use!

 

[jermzisurmom]

I dip my elbow in the tank then do a taste test.... (Licks elbow)

 

[exnisstech]

I voted other because I use Hanna digital for NO3, PO4 and Alk along with salifert color changing for calcium.

EDIT : deleted old guy rambling

 

[shakacuz]

manually with traditional and digital testers!

 

[Reefer Matt]

I use it all. Depends on what tank. My sps tanks are automated with multiple tests daily. But I have titration and digital testers too for the other tanks and as a backup.

 

[marcus aurelius]

I do all 3 Hanna, with a apex Trident, also trident NP.

 

[Jcold]

That gif is creepy.....

Agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Timfish]

Whatever method or test kits the aquarist finds easiest to use. I've tried a lot of the test kits and digital testers and invariabley go back to API, Salifert, Nyos and Elos and Red Sea and Instant Ocean refractometers.

 

[BryanM]

Both. If you can afford automated, yay! But IMO you still need to periodically manually test to make sure things are what they appear to be.

 

[Jaden9933]

Red Sea for affordability, but Hanna for more precise readings and less effort. one day i’ll go fully automated, but that won’t be for a bit. i enjoy working on my tank still, despite the annoyances

 

[edsbeaker]

I think manual or digital are the best, but I still use a trident for Alk, calcium, and magnesium. I just don’t always fully trust it.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'd like to sort of change my answer.
When it comes to quarantine, the Hannah digital copper checker is best!

 

[208reef]

 

[lbacha]

I put other as it depends on the parameter I am testing

Alk - Automatic especially for an SPS tank (I validate with a hanna checker)
Cal - Manual Red sea titration
Mag - don't test at home I adjust based on ICP results
Nitrates and Phosphates are manually with a Hanna checker (when a reliable automated test comes I will probably consider it)
Salinity - automatically with GHL but I validate weekly with a Tropic Marin Hydrometer
All others - tested with monthly ICP tests

As was stated above the hanna copper checker is awesome for medicated QT and the seachem ammonia badge is great for QT as well