Test equipment

I need to go buy my test kits for my tank. I have a 125(currently dry) I plan to do a mixed reef. What do you guys suggest I need and what brands should i get/stay away from? thanks for the input!

 

maybe tomorrow will bring answers

 

im guessimg you have no answers bcuz this thread has popped up at least 20 times since ive been a member here. dig a little and youll find some threads, of which i personally have answered this multiple times.

people get tired of answering the same ?'s again and again and again. this may be the case here.

short answer. look at salifert, or hannah checkers. api is okay, but no strips.

 

API liquid master test kit for the basics during the initial cycle.
Salifert or Elos for the more advanced tests like calcium, alkalinity and magnesium.
A good refractometer for salinity like the Sybon and handheld TDS meter such as the HM Digital TDS-3 for testing the purity of your RO/DI water used for both making new saltwater and top offs.

 

Totally unnecessary reply~you know nothing about the OP or why they may feel the need to ask more then once, twice or even 3 times. You should not speak for everyone as this is the first time I've personally seen this OP's question nor would I personally get tired of answering again and again and again..especially if it helps

To the OP: I've used API master reef for 2 years and it's a reliable kit for the money. Today I'm using RedSea Pro for my ca/alk/mag also a very nice reliable kit but a bit more expensive. Hope this helps

 

Hope the one response did not turn you off too much. Im a noob too and I'm sure i've asked questions that others have asked before. I used API for my fresh water tank and use API master salt water for my current tank. Its easy and not too expensive. Just got an API phosphate test also which i think should be a good addition. Good luck!!

 

I have found the API kits to be good for "ballpark" testing but not asaccurate or reliable as the better kits. The other issue for many is distinguishing the subtle color changes between levels, it can be tricky.

Kits like Salifert and Elos among others are titration or drop count type kits and have very distinct color changes like from red to blue etc, not just different shades of the same color.

 

Thanks for the response everybody! Thanx nana same page on this one. AZ I think you bring up a good point with salifert and Elos with the color change and I will be going that direction. Guessing on color and level isn't something I want to be doing.