Which test kits do you guys like?

[NeveSSL]

Its amazing how quickly this hobby seems to be moving. I've only been out maybe 2 or 3 years, but a LOT seems to have changed, including test kits. "Back in my day", Salifert was recommended all the way around, but I think that's changed a bit of late.

What are you guys using and why did you choose them? IE, which do you think are the best? :)

Brandon

 

[Dowtish]

Hanna checkers for ALK and Phos
Salifert for Calcium and Mag

I dont test anything else....

 

[NeveSSL]

Awesome. Thanks, Chris. Have you had any issues with the Hanna checkers?

I find it interesting that you don't test for nitrates. Why do you not test for it?

Thanks for the reply!

Brandon

 

[Dowtish]

No issues at all with the hanna checkers. They are so easy to use, that you will actually test. LOL

I do have a sailfert test kit for Nitrates, but havent used it in over 2 years. I watch my corals, if they start to look bad I check my phosphates, if they are low, then I know my N03 might be as well. I might test for phos about every 3-4 months.... Its the beauty of running bio pellets.

But I do test my ALK on a regular basis and the hanna checker process takes a total of about 60 seconds tops for a digital read out. Cant beat it.

 

[pickupman66]

+1 on the Hanna Checkers. Alk and Phosphate. I also test Nitrates and Ca with salifert kits.

 

[NanaReefer]

I use the Red Sea Reef Pro Foundation kit. Would love to give the Hannah's a try, maybe come tax return I will. I usually make 1 big investment at that time :)

 

[stylaster]

I run the same as dowtish. Also keep seachem calcium test kit and red sea that does nitrate, phosphate, ph, calcium, and alk as a backup incase numbers look off

 

[Reefing Madness]

API and Salifert

 

[shellynjason]

Hanna checker for P04
Salifert for Calcium, Alk, Mag, Nitrate, PH

guess I'm not testing for accuracy just consistency with these hobby grade kits. I test all at least twice a week (day before water change and day after water change) because I have OCD *smile*

 

[jduck]

Red sea pro for mag, alk, ca
Hanna checker for po4 and alk

 

[FL_Reefer]

Red Sea all day!!

 

[NeveSSL]

Awesome! Thanks for all of the replies!

Brandon

 

[mike007]

I have had good results with Redsea.

 

[islander84]

I did a test to compare the new Red Sea Reef Foundation test kits with Salifert and they were almost spot on. I use Salifert and Red Sea for Mg, Ca, Alk I use Hanna for Alk, PO4. I like to mix it up and sometimes I test the same param with 2 different kits to ensure accuracy.

 

[Connie]

I'm with the majority....Red Sea for Mag and Ca. Hanna for Alk and PO4. I rarely check for PO4 or salinity unless things don't look right. I don't check for nitrates either. With chaeto and dosing Microbelift Special Blend, I have found there is no need. The beauty of your reef finally stabilizing...lol

How can you tell what the reading is on Salifert? I have tried it, but the colors are so pale it leaves me unsure of my numbers. Wait, I may be thinking of Seachem.

 

[schooleyosis]

Red Sea Pro for all test kits. I measure ALK//CAL/MAG weekly and check my phosphates and nitrates every few months. Kind of like what Chris said, just test when my corals "tell" me too.

I use an API test kit to spot check my ALK mid-week from time to time to give me an idea of where its at.

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the replies!

Yes, Connie, I believe you are thinking of Seachem. The beauty of Salifert kits is that instant color change... no comparing tints of colors! :)

Brandon

 

[Scutterborn]

Hanna checkers for Ca, alk and po4

Red Sea for Mg.

 

[CeeGee]

Like everyone else I like the Hanna checker for alk. That being said if I had to use a standard test kit the LaMotte is the best I have used by far. I own the red sea and it is not as precise as the LaMotte. The LaMotte is right on the money with what the Hanna tells me. You can also buy refills for the kit which are pretty cheap.

Calcium I have used salifert and API. Either is fine.

Magnesium I only use salifert. I own the red sea kit and it is not real accurate and I do follow the directions precisely.

I use the Hanna phosphorus kit for phosphate (supposed to be more accurate than the phosphate kit although a little math is involved) and I find it very very difficult to use. The packet of reagent is a PITA and not very well thought out IMO. Also the unit has the tendency to turn itself off before you can complete the test if you aren't extremely careful. All this being said I watch the algae growth on my glass as opposed to using the Hanna kit most of the time.

I have the LaMotte Nitrate kit which is expensive and supposedly the best available and I don't really use it either as I have never tested a reading above 0 ever in the history of having a reef tank even though I have had plenty of algae growth.