API saltwater master test kit

[pottsburg]

It's at petsmart by me, is it a good test? I hear people on here talking about expensive salifert tests all the time, but what's wrong with the API ones, if anything?

People swear by it for freshwater (yeah yeah, I know - fresh isn't as complicated as salt!)

 

[ebauman75]

API is what is used at my LFS for water tests before they'll guarantee a fish purchase. They're also what I use, and haven't had any problems!

 

[drummereef]

It's ok, but for more accurate readings I would use the Salifert tests especially with alkalinity and calcium. The difference here is they style of the testkit. Colormetric vs tritrate. The titrate style is much more accurate.

 

[luke33]

Go with the salifert, i have the ati and don't care for it. The amm test is never the right color. And the nitrate test isn't to accurate either. The trites and ph are good though.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I use both. Aquarium Pharmecuticals for general testing, but if I need accuracy, I get Salifert.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

What is the ati? Like $10 online? I use it heavily during the cycle, but once im testing for nitrate (which i dont even think it comes with) I would switch to salifert from then on. JMO

 

[Paintbug]

i had one, at least the box looks nice while is sitting collecting dust. the ammonia test is a pain to really get an accurate reading, pH test is ok, but not very accurate (for me anyway), i dont think i have ever tested nitrites since i started. the kH or hardness test is worthless. switching to Salifert and SeaChem test kits was the best thing i have done. but the API will get you through the cycle. just know if you get any color change its not 0 which is what you want, except pH .

 

[papagimp]

I use AP test kits as well, from petsmart too. They work for giving you the general idea, but for accurate readings, find another test. Even PH is not always accurate, Ammonia is rarely accurate. Mine shows .25 ammonia as a minimum. And if memory serves correctly, there saltwater ammonia test is the same as teh freshwater test, I've compare the two. 0 on freshwater, .25 on salt. Just inaccuracies in color charts that's all. But I've had my current display tank for about 2 years up and runnin and only used the AP test kits, I still get by just fine in the hobby. Although there have been a few times more accuracy would have made a big difference for me. Like wasting a bajillion ammonia tests trying to figure out what was causing a problem that wasn't even there.