Best test kit?

To make a long story short. I have used three different test kits over the months and just realized they were giving different results from the same samples. E.G. Nitrate levels ranged from 5 to 40, PH from 7.8 to 8.4. Is there a concensus on the best test kits? Should I look at kits, or individual tests. I notice that CA is seldom included in kits.

 

I like the Seachem and the Salifert kits. some are cost effective as kits, others are not. It's your preference.

 

Same here... Salifert and Seachem. i've tried a couple other brands but never had the precise results like i do with those 2 brands. There more expensive but IMO worth it.

Marc.

 

I use Salifert for everything except Amonia and for that i use Hegen

J

 

Hagen for amonia J... really... i bought that one a while back and i would get different results on two tests done in a row. maybe it was just a bad batch or something.

Marc.

 

I just don't like the colour change on the salifert. It's not great enough. where as the Hagen has a huge colour change between the 0 and 0.1
I haven't tried any others.
Any suggestions

J

 

Actually ive been using AquaPharm tests kits for Nitrate and i am pleased. I am due to buy one for amonia and nitrite but just havent got around to do it. I use AquaPharm for nitrate, nitrite, and amonia since there cheeper and i dont test for those things often. I have my tell tell signs with some corals when something is wrong so then i test.

Marc.

 

I guess I third the SeaChem vote. Their pH kit has the most readable range of any I have seen. Also most of their kits come with a reference so you can test yourself to see if you are testing correctly.

 

I just started using the Red Sea tests, so far so good. The color range is a bit off, but I'm doing ok with it.

 

Salifert for me. : )