Test Kits

[AcuraCl1]

I know this has been discussed before, but the search button is not working. I am needing to get a few test kits that I am out of. Right now, I am using the API brand for my Nitrite, and Ammonia. I am needing to get a new Nitrate, PH, calcium and alk kit to replace my old ones. Any other kits you recommend. Plus since I am having to get some new kits, I would like to get some good ones. Do you all recommend the API brand, or do you recommend some better ones. I would rather start investing in some good ones now, then later. I remember when I did some research before, I read to stay away from Red Sea, and that there were problems with the salifer brand.

Thanks
Scott

[IslandCrow]

I'm a Salifert man, and I've been pretty happy with their tests as far as usability and accuracy. Specifically for calcium test kits, you may be interested in this thread. It looks like most of the popular brands have similar accuracy: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1475493

[808-340]

Salifert as well as Elos...

[hstac]

salifert all the way...

[tangdiver]

Salifert

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, I will try the saliferts out. Where is the best place to get them.

[jayco5]

Good to know - I've been wondering the same thing.

[firebirdude]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4345+17340+4404&pcatid=4404
Pretty cheap and there's a coupon code to save another $5. Google it ot PM me and I'll hunt it down if you can't find it.

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, were you meaning to point to the seachem or the salifert

[shuguley]

There's no way I would use salifert for all my tests... too expensive. Maybe salifert for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity. API for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates.

Me, I use API for everything except magnesium. I use salifert for magnesium. API is fine for everything else.

[firebirdude]

I meant seachem. But obviously the code works with any item. Think it's more of a discount if you're over $100. Which if you're buying salifert, you'd be over $100. LOL

[shuguley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13414894#post13414894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firebirdude
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4345+17340+4404&pcatid=4404
Pretty cheap and there's a coupon code to save another $5. Google it ot PM me and I'll hunt it down if you can't find it.

I bought a bunch of seachem tests at first and I hated them. They are too hard to read. I found the seachem ph and alkalinity tests ok, but the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests were so horrible that I tossed them in the trash.

[firebirdude]

Hard to read?!

And I think the code is 1130/8422 for $5 off any order. You can try 3658588 if you're above $100.

[spw4949]

API, IMO...

[shuguley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13415075#post13415075 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firebirdude
Hard to read?!

And I think the code is 1130/8422 for $5 off any order. You can try 3658588 if you're above $100.

Yes, hard to read. Those little disks that have to soak in the solution for 15 minutes and handle with tweesers are terrible, if you like them more power to ya, but I hate them. if you haven't tried anything else, I strongly reccomend it, you will be surprised.

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks

[IslandCrow]

Those little disks that have to soak in the solution for 15 minutes and handle with tweesers are terrible.

Agreed. I always hated the ammonia test. Of course, once the tank is cycled, there generally isn't much cause to test for ammonia anyway. I do use one of those Seachem Ammonia Alert Badges, though. You just stick it in your tank, and as long as it stays yellow, you don't have a significant level of ammonia. Nitrite is another test I wouldn't bother with on a cycled tank, so you can save some money there. Phosphate is another questionably useful test, since phosphates get bound up in other things so quickly, your tank can be loaded with them, you can still get little to no reading on your test kit.