Test questions!!!!!!!!!

[Larah]

I'm about to order a refractometer from Dr's Foster & Smith, as well as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate and Alkalinity tests.
(I already have the basics; Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and Ph)...

What else would you all suggest?

I am getting a combination of Instant Ocean, Red Sea and Seachem brand tests... The Salifert are all sold out....

 

[joeychitwood]

A TDS meter is nice for testing your RO/DI water, but certainly not mandatory. I think you have a good selection of test kits.

 

[Burbs]

if you have the money a PH monitor was a good investment in my opinion

 

[Larah]

I just test my Ph with a kit... and I use a buffer so it's almost always steady at 8.3.....Thanks for the idea though!!
any other opinions?

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

don't use a buffer as that will also raise the alk very high.

I have heard red sea test kits arn't very accurate. IMO I would go with API test kits they have been very reliable.

 

[Larah]

hmmmmm I have been using a buffer.... My ph has stayed steady at 8.3.....

 

[Larah]

Anyone have any ideas where I can get these test kits, besides the LFS and Dr. Foster & Smith?

 

[camlov2]

I am using API for all of my testing and for the most part they seem to work well. The one test I don't feel very comfortable about is the PH. The colors on the card don't seem to match as well as the other tests. Therefore... I just purchased a PH meter that should be delivered by the end of the week.

my 2 cents

 

[Larah]

Well I went ahead with the order... Crossing my fingers!!!
The only Magnesium test I folund was the Red sea... Salifert tests kits seem to be all sold out... Plus the Euro is so strong and the dollar weak I'd hate to see what the exchange rate is! LOL!

 

[Larah]

Heard Salifert is the "ONLY" brand to trust..
Thoughts? Opinions?