test kit

[stiltman]

I need a good all purpose test kit. I was thinking of buying the API marine and reef master kits. Anyone have a strong preference?

[Playa-1]

I hear that API is good stuff. I'm not familiar with the other.

[Surferlopez]

Salifert is a better choice, but API is a good place to start...

[saltysteven]

Api is good
salifert alot better- ive heard
i went with HACH - they are really nice check out there saltwater master kit $59

[Percula9]

Hach is worth the investment.

[mbbuna]

i wouldn't buy the "master test kits" just buy the individual kits as you need them.

API and Salifert are fine. as long as your tank is established and your not planing on making nay changes to the biological filter all you need is a Ca, Alk, Mg and occasionally a nitrate kit

[stiltman]

Thanks for the feedback

[saltysteven]

the master test kit from hach is pretty basic and all needed.
ph nitrite nitrate ammonia
you might want to take a look-
http://www.hach.com/hc/search.product.details.invoker/PackagingCode=2068600/NewLinkLabel=Saltwater+Master+Test+Kit/PREVIOUS_BREADCRUMB_ID=HC_SEARCH_KEYWORD/SESSIONID%7CBE9UTTJNemd5TmpFeU5ERW1aM1ZsYzNSVlVrMUpTQT09QlRFeA==%7C

[stiltman]

Thanks for the link. I already checked it out. You don't test for calcium, phospate, etc?

[mbbuna]

with a properly functioning biological filter Ammonia and nitrite should be 0. so if you have an established tank there is really no need for these tests. nitrate is a good thing to test from time to time, but if you do regular water changes they should always be fairly low(but not a bad test kit to have) PH is good to know but with a fairly high/stable Alk your PH will never get into the danger zone. your money is much better spent on kits that test Ca, Alk and MG.

if this is a new tank that kit would be a good one to have, but if this is an established tank its a waist of money. that kit is designed to track the nitrogen cycle. an established tanks nitrogen cycle should already be stable

[saltysteven]

not if your just starting out. that kit was just a basic kit of what you need to get going- then yes you have to buy separate tests for the ones you mentioned above depending on what your keeping in your tank