Which test kit?

[WhiteTang]

Hi, Im just wondering which test kits for the basic reef setup are best/accurate/faster.
The only ones I have used are RedSea. What do you guys use?

 

[edinphilly]

Faster doesn't equal better/accurate. Don't like API. Do like Red Sea. Also liked Salifert but got a bad kit recently so probably would stick with Red Sea of the ones I own.

 

[Teenreefer15]

API is very cheap and a great option. The ellos, salifert, and red sea are also good but a little more expensive. If you have around $100 sitting in your pocket pick out a few tests from salifert or elos. Otherwise go with the api saltwater master/reef test kit or red sea. Red sea is a step up from api but twice as much money ($50).

 

[BryanS4]

API for me. Haven't let me down yet.

 

[Stevenliu9]

I like salifert.

 

[rdrbssr11]

i found the API to be easy enough to understand and the results to be accurate enough to keep your tank stable.

 

[NSimpkins]

+1 for Red Sea. They are a private company that isn't owned by stock holders which I like. Their tests are a little more money but I given the amount of time, money, labor we all put into this hobby/obsession I think the couple extra dollars is worth it.

I am not going to go as far to say that API is bad because I am sure a lot of people have had great results but they are not for me.

I've never heard of anyone with bad results from Red Sea! This also is far from the point but I think the RedSea are also in sharp looking boxes that are well thought out.

 

[Clownfish Chris]

I only have experience with the API kit. I like that it is easy to use but I find that while I read the results if I vary the light just a little the color on PH and Nitrate can vary. It is hard to tell which color is closest. FWIW

 

[izzyish]

I've only had experience with API test kits and the testing is easy to read. However, a couple of my test tubes leak from the caps when shaking them so I don't use them because I feel it will affect the results. Maybe I just got a bad test kit.

 

[m0nkie]

I use the combination of Salifert and Hanna Checkers

Salifert: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Magnesium, Calcium, PH
Hanna: Alkalinity, Iron, Phosphate

 

[Xavibear]

I use Red Sea. Api kits aren't precise enough when measuring some things, like PO3 or KH.

 

[danil]

Red Sea here. API test for Calc isn't good and I'm not sure do they have Magnesium test at all. In reef tank we have to test Alk, Cacl, Mg and Nitrates. Red Sea provides test kid for that with included titrator.

 

[tmz]

I use Salifert and API. For pH a pinpoint monitor. For PO4 a hanah 713 colorimeter. For salinity a milwaukee digital refractometer/