Saltwater Test Kits

[adalius]

So what do you guys suggest for saltwater test kits? I know Red Sea is basically the oh-heck-no of testing, and I hear API is pretty 'meh'. I hear Salifert is good, but I'm looking for something all-in-one like Red Sea has, where it comes with PO4/NO3/NO2/etc all in one box and I can't seem to find a Salifert one like that.

Thoughts?

[XSiVE]

I've just got a bunch of salifert kits.

[adalius]

Yea, I just don't want to pay $20/box and have to buy 7 boxes or whatever... was hoping there's a reliable kit, I know instant ocean has one with 4 tests for $40, but even that brings it down to $10/type.

[fawkes]

Kits tend to give you tests you may not use - especially before they expire. If you do fish only, you may not want CA, KH tests and the like. Similarly if you grow only frags, you will likely need other tests. You will probably only need nitrite tests if your tank is cycling. I use Salifert for many of the tests. There is a 5 in 1 test strip by one of the companies - it is good for watching for changes (not so great at precise values).

[adalius]

Yea, I have a reef tank, so I'm looking for one that specifically has PO4/NO3/Si/pH/Alk/Ca/kH or at least a good portion of them. I already use 5 in 1 test strips, but I like having specific reagents on hand to verify the strips accuracy if it looks suspect, I use them probably 2-3 times a week and then actually use the test kits once a week. I (foolishly) bought a kit online and didn't realize it was a Red Sea one until I got it so now I'm looking for alternatives. But like I said, buying individual Salifert ones really jacks the price up quick.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I've had decent results with API. They are relatively inexpensive and very easy. Post cycle I only use the Ca and dKh. Once in a blue moon I'll test for NO3, but never find any. For PO3, the best I've found is the Hanna Colorimeter, nothing else comes close for measuring lower levels (0-2.5ppm.) Salifert for Mg, Refractometer for salinity and Apex for pH and ORP.

[gablett]

I have all 3. Red sea sucks. I used a couple tests and had it so long it expired. API is not much better. And I have everything salifert now. Get very accurate and consistent results. Sorry, but if you want good tests, its gonna cost ya.

[jolson10450]

buy the salifert tests on ebay. make sure it is listed as new as well. i got a phosphate salifert test kit that was new for $15 shipped, if you find a vendor that has them cheaper and you can comebine shipping for all of them it is worth the investment.

[Mike]

So what do you guys suggest for saltwater test kits? I know Red Sea is basically the oh-heck-no of testing, and I hear API is pretty 'meh'. I hear Salifert is good, but I'm looking for something all-in-one like Red Sea has, where it comes with PO4/NO3/NO2/etc all in one box and I can't seem to find a Salifert one like that.

Thoughts?

Lamotte has one but it is $$$$$$

I use Lamotte for NO3- (well worth the initial investment because the refills are cheap), Hanna meter for PO4, and salifert for ALK, CA, and MG. Hanna meters have come down recently so it is worth saving your change to get one

[Manoj's Reef]

Lamotte has one but it is $$$$$$

I use Lamotte for NO3- (well worth the initial investment because the refills are cheap), Hanna meter for PO4, and salifert for ALK, CA, and MG. Hanna meters have come down recently so it is worth saving your change to get one

Hi Mike, any reason why you did not choose Lamotte for alk? I have heard good things about it vs the salifert