omajehal
Community Member
I have had aquariums since I was a kid, but have always purchased the cheapo products from Petco like API, that is up until a few years ago I made the move into marine aquariums. I've struggled with all of the hype and trying to find a brand I really trust. I'll be completely honest... I'm a bit of a brand *****. I try to find a brand and stick with it, for better or for worse. The trouble I've had is that it seems like availability can be hit or miss, costs, consistency, etc. I'm just a bit worn out on trying a product only to find out that I'm not happy with it because it doesn't work as advertised or have clear directions.
Some examples of what I've purchased and my experiences:
Additives/Salts:
Seachem products seem to be fine, but I've had issues with their bottles leaking and the paper top disintegrating into the product. Seems about on par with API from my experience. I started buying their AquaVitro line for a while, but they're pricy and only available at certain local stores. I had an LFS sell me on Eight.Four and Seed, but haven't repurchased them lately. I'm not sure if AquaVitro is worth it or just hype.
Fritz products are where I've shifted to lately, but they don't seem to be widely available and I haven't seen much community discussion on them. I've used the FritzZyme 9 and had a weird bacterial bloom that I'm not sure if it stemmed from or just the new tank growing pains. Beyond the bacteria additive, I've been using Complete, Guard, Coppersafe, and FritzZyme 460. I've also recently purchased my first box of Fritz salt mix. Has the community had good luck with their products or seen any weird interactions?
Speaking of salts... I've used Instant Ocean and most recently Reef Crystals. They've been fine, but I've heard that the Fritz has less precipitate and brown residue left behind after mixing, so that's why I've made that switch.
Testing:
After realizing that the API tests were beginner level at best, I started buying Salifert tests. They've seemed a bit better than API, but I've still struggled with the accuracy or usability of their test. The Nitrate and Phosphate tests always seem to read 0 for me, so I'm not sure if they're legitimate or if I'm doing something wrong.
I've always been a fan of having digital testers for accuracy purposes. I'm much more of a numbers person and like the no-nonsense number readouts. I have an IceCap salinity testing pen that has worked fine for me, but recently purchased my first Hanna tester for pH. It has been great, so I just bought their copper and alkalinity testers also.
Summary:
In summary... I'm exhausted with brand marketing and am just curious what the community has had the most success with. What products do you use and what is just snake oil that I'm dumping into my tank? Which testing kits have you had the most success with?
Some examples of what I've purchased and my experiences:
Additives/Salts:
Seachem products seem to be fine, but I've had issues with their bottles leaking and the paper top disintegrating into the product. Seems about on par with API from my experience. I started buying their AquaVitro line for a while, but they're pricy and only available at certain local stores. I had an LFS sell me on Eight.Four and Seed, but haven't repurchased them lately. I'm not sure if AquaVitro is worth it or just hype.
Fritz products are where I've shifted to lately, but they don't seem to be widely available and I haven't seen much community discussion on them. I've used the FritzZyme 9 and had a weird bacterial bloom that I'm not sure if it stemmed from or just the new tank growing pains. Beyond the bacteria additive, I've been using Complete, Guard, Coppersafe, and FritzZyme 460. I've also recently purchased my first box of Fritz salt mix. Has the community had good luck with their products or seen any weird interactions?
Speaking of salts... I've used Instant Ocean and most recently Reef Crystals. They've been fine, but I've heard that the Fritz has less precipitate and brown residue left behind after mixing, so that's why I've made that switch.
Testing:
After realizing that the API tests were beginner level at best, I started buying Salifert tests. They've seemed a bit better than API, but I've still struggled with the accuracy or usability of their test. The Nitrate and Phosphate tests always seem to read 0 for me, so I'm not sure if they're legitimate or if I'm doing something wrong.
I've always been a fan of having digital testers for accuracy purposes. I'm much more of a numbers person and like the no-nonsense number readouts. I have an IceCap salinity testing pen that has worked fine for me, but recently purchased my first Hanna tester for pH. It has been great, so I just bought their copper and alkalinity testers also.
Summary:
In summary... I'm exhausted with brand marketing and am just curious what the community has had the most success with. What products do you use and what is just snake oil that I'm dumping into my tank? Which testing kits have you had the most success with?
