What Brand of test kits do people swear by?
I have been using Red Sea and I am happy with there test kit but what do people say is the best?
I have been using Red Sea and I am happy with there test kit but what do people say is the best?
Brand of Test kits
- Thread starter mikelush78
- Start date
i use aquarium pharmaceuticals saltwater master test kit, and then salifert phos, calcium, alk and mag...
The best by some-ones opinion does not neccesarily make it a best one though, it is whatever test kit gives you accurate test results...
just my opinion of course...
Niko
The best by some-ones opinion does not neccesarily make it a best one though, it is whatever test kit gives you accurate test results...
just my opinion of course...
Niko
I have Red Sea calcium and magnesium test kits. The only thing I don't like is that their standard calcium test only measures in increments of 50 ppm. They make a more sensitive kit, which I wasn't aware of when I bought the one I have.
I have Aqurium Pharmacuticals (API) test kits for NO3, PO4 (pretty useless -- not sensitive enough for reef use), KH, and Ca along with TetraTest kits for KH and pH. The API Ca test reads close to the Red Sea kit (although hard to say how close since one reads in increments of 20 ppm and the other in 50ppm), but for some reason the API and TetraTest KH kits don't agree very well. Today, for example, the API KH kit said 11 dKH while the TetraTest KH kit said 9.0 dKH.
Salifert kits are suppose to be the best, and I'd hope so considering how much they cost, but I've yet to try them.
I have Aqurium Pharmacuticals (API) test kits for NO3, PO4 (pretty useless -- not sensitive enough for reef use), KH, and Ca along with TetraTest kits for KH and pH. The API Ca test reads close to the Red Sea kit (although hard to say how close since one reads in increments of 20 ppm and the other in 50ppm), but for some reason the API and TetraTest KH kits don't agree very well. Today, for example, the API KH kit said 11 dKH while the TetraTest KH kit said 9.0 dKH.
Salifert kits are suppose to be the best, and I'd hope so considering how much they cost, but I've yet to try them.
ok I ask these questions because I need a new nitrate test and i am not sure which brand to get.... I want a sensetive one that will be accurate, easy to use and easy to read... Any suggestions?
certainly suggest salifert mate..You pay a little extra than other kits, but they are very easy to use and i class them as being reliable..
Niko
Niko
Not to thread-jack, but do they make strips that can be dipped into the tank and tell results right on the strip?
I seem to recall something about that, but not sure if I made it up in my head or not.:read:
I seem to recall something about that, but not sure if I made it up in my head or not.:read:
i dont know if they do them or not. But, test strips are nasty nasty...impossible to get a decent reading from them...they should be banned off the market....unless you own a goldfish of course...
Niko
Niko
Ditto. I use this exact same assortment, except no mag, but I am considering picking one up.
And yes, there are strips that you can dip into water and they will test for about 3 or 4 things at once. Don't know how reliable these are, but if I remember correctly, there are way more expensive per test than one with solutions. For example--for approx. same price--"dip sticks" 30 tests or solution type tests 100-200 tests for the same price. This is a total estimate off the top of my head, so don't take this as gospel. You have to pay for the convenience factor.
its not really the convenience factor i really relate to, its all down to them not being accurate...bad ......bad......bad test strips...go to the corner.....
Niko
Niko
