"Best" test kits?

[airtime23]

Is there such a thing as a comprehensive list of "best" or "most accurate" test kits?

There are jut so may brands available and I want to be sure that I don't waste my money on test kits that are possibly known to have issues with not being very accurate.

Can anyone please make some recommendations of which ones are good for which tests and which ones should be avoided?

Thanks in advance!

[Aaaron]

I use and have only used for the past 7 years, Salifert. Tried many others, to me not even close in accuracy.

[bertoni]

Every brand of test kits gets a mix of reviews. I have used primarily Salifert and IO kits, and they've been find for me. What parameters are you interested in testing? For calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium, the Salifert tests were fine. The IO alkalinity and calcium kits read the same levels, although the calcium test required more waiting than the Salifert. API kits get reasonable reviews, too.

[airtime23]

I'm interested in testing for:

Nitrites
Ammonia
Nitrates
pH
Alk
Ca
Mg
Phos

Thanks.

[bertoni]

I would get a pH meter since they're more precise and flexible. For the phosphate testing, the Salifert and Hach kits have been okay for me, although the Hanna meter is easier to read, and usually the reagents are okay.

For the other parameters, IO and Salifert should be fine, IME. API might save some money.

[airtime23]

Thanks for your help, Jonathan!

[bertoni]

You're welcome! Good luck!

[TinManx]

I like salifert as well. I would avoid API, especially the ammonia kit.

[m0nkie]

is it worth it to buy a PH test pen? or any other digital devices for long term testing?

[panagiotisath]

Hi,
I use the API i never had a problem i find them more user friendly than others.In the past i had used salifert, tropic marin, sera.As far as accuracy is concern i can tell you anything cause i don't have a lab to compare the results.I believe that any named product is fairly accurate.
Digital devices i have a ph and a tds meter which are a quick way to measure so if you can afford it i would recommend it.

[desertrat505]

I use the Red Sea for Nitrates and Phosphates, good for low and high range testing. I don't like the Red Sea Ca, Mag, and KH though they are kind of a pain to use, so I use the API tests.

[thegrun]

My Choice:
Nitrites- Salifert
Ammonia- Salifert
Nitrates- Salifert
pH- Probe (calibrated)
Alk- Salifert or Hanna Chceker (some will argue the Hanna Checker is better, but i get the same results from both)
Ca- Salifert
Mg- Salifert
Phos- Hanna Checker

[m0nkie]

recommendation on PH pen?

People are recommending HM brand. Around $80.. however, lot of mixed amazon reviews

[bertoni]

I used an Oakton pHTestr model that seemed nice to me, but it was a bit pricey. The PinPoint unit seems to get good reviews on average, too. I got my equipment at cole-parmer.com. You should be able to find something there, although the site is a lot harder to use in its latest design.

[m0nkie]

found them! did you get the PH30 20 or 10??? don't see any differences besides price

[bertoni]

I got the 30. At that point, I think it was the one that read in units of 0.01. I think if you look at the resolution differences, you'll see what I mean. I'm unclear on the 20, at this point, but I'd go for more accuracy than the 10, personally.

Edit: From what I can tell, the 20 should be fine. You won't need the extra range of the 30.