water test kits?!?!?!?!?!?!?

andybethke · 03-04-2008, 06:50 PM

hey i was wondering what i should get for a master saltwater test kit? and who has the best test kit the cheapest lol

thanks

glblguy · 03-04-2008, 06:59 PM

Well, I'm still new at the test kit thing, but not sure if I would recommend any master test kit. I prefer to buy my kits separately.

Salivert test kits seem to be pretty popular here. Ordered mine earlier this week.

andybethke · 03-04-2008, 07:01 PM

ok has anyone dealt with red sea test kits? are they any good? or how about API?

glassbox-design · 03-04-2008, 07:04 PM

We have had issues with Salifert kits and now use Elos and LaMotte. Elos have proven easy to use and accurate.

Invest in a decent kit. Many are not accurate. Particularly in regards to alkalinity and nitrates, two critical parameters for reefs. I'd also advise to not waste your money on po4 (or iodine) kits, in general they are worthless and most do not have the resolution needed...unless you are ready for a D-D kit or hanna

cheers,

e&f

glassbox-design · 03-04-2008, 07:07 PM

Andy,

Redsea's should be skipped imo. API are fairly accurate, although a friends alk tested differently than our elos/lamotte and another API kit.

I'd say they are a good buy, if you have a friend which you can occasionally check them against elos / lamotte / AWT.

bmshehan · 03-04-2008, 07:10 PM

I'm going with all Elos from here on out... heard nothing but great things. I do have some Salifert kits that I will use till they run out though

glblguy · 03-04-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andybethke

ok has anyone dealt with red sea test kits? are they any good? or how about API?

I've been using the API. They are ok. I find it difficult to compare the colors for an accurate reading though. Hoping the Salivert will be better.

Have to look into Elos too...

clownfish · 03-04-2008, 08:19 PM

I had the Red Sea master test kit, I only had issues with the Alk and Amm. tests. The ammonia gives you a total ammonia reading, it doesn't tell you the free ammonia levels (the toxic kind), the Alk on the other hand is very hard to understand.

I'm now using Seachem's test kits, Cal, Alk, Mag, Amm and Phosp. They work pretty well. I had an issue with the ammonia kit with the sensors, but Seachem has a great customer service staff and they replaced it. You won't get that with Salifert, plus, their tests IMO are over priced.