Test Kits

[neoonex]

OK, so... Im posting this because im tired of hear say about the best test kits and noone owning up with proof. Now, im not interested in the most popular, or 'you use it because you like the colors and the logos, or the even the most expensive, (as we all know just because it cost alot, doesnt mean its any good. Im sure im not the only one that has seen a Lambo or Bentley on the side of I-95, right?). So, Im looking for facts and significant differences in use and accuracy. Here are the "Top test kits" out there. Which one do you use and why (FACTS):

• Elos
• Hanna
• Red Sea
• API
• Salifret
• Any others...?

Thanks

 

[gatoralum69]

I use Hanna for PO4 and Alk. Found that they give same readings as salifert. I use Salifert for NO3. Have Hanna for CA, but find it to be too cumbersome and also not accurate either so I end up using API lol. I also have Red Sea for NO3, but I can't tell the color differences lol

 

[DRThompson]

Hanna Checker for PO4 (most accurate by far)

Hanna Checker for Alk - Easy to use, very accurate

Salifert for NO3 - easiest to read colors

Salifert for Mg - by for brand, easy to see color change

API and Red Sea for Ca - easy to see color change, ease of use

 

[doggydoc]

Hanna





Doggydoc

 

[liquidcowboy]

Red Sea Pro for Ca, Alk, Mag, PO4, and NO3.

 

[cadugauch]

Hanna for PO4 and Alk

Api Calcium

Seachem MAG

 

[rovster]

The Salifert Alk test is easy. I will be trying the Hanna Alk meter when it runs out since Dr Thom and Gatorboy seem to like it. All my kits are Salifert. They seem to have the best reputation.

 

[Siptang]

I use Hanna for P04,
API for cal, alk
Salifert for nitrate

 

[Yose]

Salifert for PO4, ALK, Mg, and Ca
API for NO2, NO3, Ph

 

[neoonex]

Nice... I like this. Im noticing most of you use more than one kit. Are you guys using these out of habit or because you've noticed the difference in accuracy and quality?

 

[tommy tomato]

Hanna Checker for PO4 (most accurate by far)




Hanna Checker for Alk - Easy to use, very accurate




Salifert for NO3 *- easiest to read colors




Salifert for Mg - by for brand, easy to see color change




API and Red Sea for Ca - easy to see color change, ease of use

My choices are similar I've listed the differences for me

Hanna Checker for Alk - Easy to use, very accurate

Salifert for NO3 - easiest to read colors

Salifert/Red Sea for Mg - I find the two similar

salifert for calcium because thats what ive always used

 

[gatoralum69]

Nice... I like this. Im noticing most of you use more than one kit. Are you guys using these out of habit or because you've noticed the difference in accuracy and quality?

Accuracy + ease. For instance I don't think that Ca Hanna is that accurate, but I think it is also due to it being error prone since you have to use RO Water and drops and a packet reagent. Yet the Alk is accurate and all you need is a liquid reagent.

 

[gatoralum69]

The Salifert Alk test is easy. I will be trying the Hanna Alk meter when it runs out since Dr Thom and Gatorboy seem to like it. All my kits are Salifert. They seem to have the best reputation.

El Porko might be switching too as that is how I came up with conclusion that measurements between Salifert and Hanna Alk are same...I tested with his salifert and my hanna and they came out to same

 

[Biggar]

I use Hanna for P04,
API for cal, alk
Salifert for nitrate

Richard and I match.


I used to use salifert for mag, until it almost destroyed my tank.

I use PIA Red Sea for Mag now.

 

[angelfish boy]

Api

 

[Siptang]

Richard and I match.


I used to use salifert for mag, until it almost destroyed my tank.

I use PIA Red Sea for Mag now.

That's because great minds think alike buddy.

 

[SaltyReefs]

I used to use API till a few months ago. Know I use salifert for all except I just elos for mag.

 

[Zobp]

Hanna for PO4 is the best in terms of comparisons.

Use to use salifert switching to Red Sea.

I will post which I like better. Heard a lot of good things about quality so we will see.

 

[Yose]

Thanks for asking this question, Neo. I have been on a hiatus from this hobby for a little more than 6 years and there are so many new options to consider. My tanks have been running that whole time and I was maintaining them to a degree. About 6 weeks ago I started spinning the hobby back up and am amazed at the changes in technology and science.

When I started rolling again it was business as usual (working on outdated firmware) so I ordered a bunch of Salifert kits. It wasn't until your post that I saw the Hanna references from other reefers. I researched the Alk and PO4 testers and they look to have gotten good reviews from people using them. The reagents have an ongoing cost but in the long run these units will show and return on investment over standard liquid test kits.

The prices of the units vary a little and the best prices I could find were on eBay. Premium Aquatics eBay store sells the Alk (HI 755) tester cheaper than on their own site, with free shipping. There is also a seller who has the PO4 (HI 713) tester with 50 reagents and that's less than all the online stores I checked. This seller also has 99.5% positive feedback on more than 31K sales this year so IMO it's a good seller.

Anyway, thanks again for asking this question as now I have ordered 2 new meters and can move from the old school to the new, at least until I have saved the coin for an Apex.

Please accept my apologies for busting in on your club's page... I didn't realize it until just now.

 

[neoonex]

Ofcourse. You're welcome. This is what this community fourn is about right? Not FS: threads and random comments right? lol.

I just wanted true insight from more experienced reefers than myself. Im a 101 n00b when it come to a reef tank and being bombarded with countless opinoins and suggestions without any facts is frustraing and co$tly. I like to know what to do and how with out any doubts, but in this hobby thats hard to come by as everything seem to be so relative. Thanks you guys for your time.

Thanks for asking this question, Neo. I have been on a hiatus from this hobby for a little more than 6 years and there are so many new options to consider. My tanks have been running that whole time and I was maintaining them to a degree. About 6 weeks ago I started spinning the hobby back up and am amazed at the changes in technology and science.

When I started rolling again it was business as usual (working on outdated firmware) so I ordered a bunch of Salifert kits. It wasn't until your post that I saw the Hanna references from other reefers. I researched the Alk and PO4 testers and they look to have gotten good reviews from people using them. The reagents have an ongoing cost but in the long run these units will show and return on investment over standard liquid test kits.

The prices of the units vary a little and the best prices I could find were on eBay. Premium Aquatics eBay store sells the Alk (HI 755) tester cheaper than on their own site, with free shipping. There is also a seller who has the PO4 (HI 713) tester with 50 reagents and that's less than all the online stores I checked. This seller also has 99.5% positive feedback on more than 31K sales this year so IMO it's a good seller.

Anyway, thanks again for asking this question as now I have ordered 2 new meters and can move from the old school to the new, at least until I have saved the coin for an Apex.