Reef tank Test kits

[lyrad7791]

I am starting to put corals into my tank. I was wondering what are the best water test kits for a saltwater reef tank?

 

[Veganbrian]

Salifert test kits.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I am starting to put corals into my tank. I was wondering what are the best water test kits for a saltwater reef tank?

Best water tester for specific gravity/salinity is a 16" temp. corrected glass float hydrometer or a calibrated refractometer.

I prefer Salifert alkalinity, pH, calcium and magnesium test kits and the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals nitrate test kit.

 

[tmz]

I use:

Salifert for alk,calcium, magnesium ammonia and nitrates.

Pinpoint monitor for ph .

Pinpoint conductivity meter for specific gravity/salinity cross checked with a hannah digital refractometer.

Hanah colorimeter for phosphate.

Red Sea for iron, iodine and potassium.

 

[briangsxr1000]

I use Red Sea... easiest to use IMO and seem accurate.

 

[Jstn]

I use:

Salifert for alk,calcium, magnesium ammonia and nitrates.

Pinpoint monitor for ph .

Pinpoint conductivity meter for specific gravity/salinity cross checked with a hannah digital refractometer.

Hanah colorimeter for phosphate.

Red Sea for iron, iodine and potassium.

Tom, which hanna meter do you use, the 713 PO4 or the 736 Phosphorus ?

 

[lyrad7791]

Hey Brian I can not answer pms yet. I am interested though, can u pm me a number or an email address? Thanks

 

[lyrad7791]

Hey tmz I saw on another tread u might have some frags available is that true.

 

[lyrad7791]

I am just trying to post as much as possible right now so I can get my pm privledges

 

[tmz]

I do ; I'll post a for sale thread soon.

 

[tmz]

Tom, which hanna meter do you use, the 713 PO4 or the 736 Phosphorus ?

I use an older full sized 713 and have had years of trouble free use form it. I think it's much more accurate that the +/- .04ppm rating in the lower ranges based on my experience with it for well over a thousand tests so far. I'm obsessive abut PO4 andtest it every day; I don't know why; just habit; it almost never changes anymore form .01/.02/.03ppm. The 736 would be my choice for the checker ;it gets pretty good reviews.

 

[lyrad7791]

thanks fellas appreciate the info, I was looking at the hannas colorimeters for phosphate, calcium and alk, this stuff is expensive though and I am on a budget, any suggestions what to get first

 

[tmz]

I'd start with:

a refractometer for salinity

a thermometer

a test for ammonia

a test kit or checker for alkalinity

BTW, the hanah checkers for alk and phosphate get good reviews; the others not.