Hi all! wondering whats the best multi use Nitrate/Ammonia test kit

Kinda newbie at all this but learning fast. I would like to start doing all my own water testing at home and dont want to keep bringing samples to my LFS any experience with a user friendly multi use kit? Also any good reccommendations on keeping my levels low other than water changes and smart feeding practices?

 

API makes a decent kit.
Salifert is the best.

Both are liquid kits. Stay away from the test strip ones. Not very accurate.

 

+ 1 I agree with the API and salifert kits being good ones. I do use the test strips for general reference and to just keep an eye on it so to speak. They are fast and easy and are accurate enough to tell me when something may be getting out of whack. I basicaly use them between my normal testing just as a quick check on my system.I still use the liquid test kit for accuracy and its what I go by.

 

+1. The strips are still able to indicate that something is out of whack and allow you to perform multiple tests in under a minute. If something looks wrong, bust out the liquid kit and get a more precise measurement.

 

Personally I use API for all my testing.

 

Some tips to keeping nitrates low, aside from not overfeeding and water changes...
Keep enough flow in the tank so that detritus stays suspended in the water so it can be skimmed out (you have a skimmer right?).

Oversize your skimmer.

Keep your sump clean and try and keep your sand bed clean.

Don't use a crushed coral substrate unless you plan on vacuuming it out regularly or have some method for keeping it from getting clogged with detritus/uneaten food etc.

Have a good cleanup crew.

Don't stock critters that add to bioload (critters you have to feed) too fast, let your system catch up between additions.

There are other methods of keeping nutrients low, like vodka dosing or one of the bacterial systems (that usually include an organic carbon source like vodka/vinegar), it might be worth getting familiar with them.
Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com

 

For the basics API is fine when you are just starting, for more critical measurements once i am up and running I use Salifert. Once established you will rarely if ever test things like nitrates and ammonia.

 

cool thanks guys all good info. Best of luck with your latest projects !

 

api for me, just test every week