What test kit to buy

[jimfed1]

So I have a reef up and running. Seems to be doing well, but I want to test parameters as a responsible reefer should. I have a kit to test ammonia, ph, nitrate, nitrite. What are some other things to test for?

I assume calcium, phosphate, but what are some others?

Finally what is a great brand of reef type test kit that is affordable yet very accurate?

Thanks

 

[Craig Lambert]

Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium. Those are the three most important tests once your tank has been up fo a while. LaMotte, Elos, and API are all good kits that are widely available.

A phosphate test would be nice, but anything other than Merk, or Hatch (which are both very expensive), are a waste of money. Most phosphate kits only measure inorganic phosphates and not organic. The best way to measure is probably with a colorometer, but at $180, it's pretty spendy. If you have algae, an/or need to clean the glass every day, you have phosphates. A phosban reactor is an inexpensive solution.

 

[smalls383]

Dr F&S site had the API saltwater test kits for 14.39 and the reef kits for 20 last week, maybe they are still at that price......because that is a KILLER!!!!! deal!!!

 

[msman825]

salifert