are API etc test kits really as crappy as i hear?

so, i was wondering if those API(or whatever u find at petco/petsmart) are really as crappy as i hear they are?

i think my LFS has different ones, i just don't know which.

also there are two different types of kits i need to get right?

the one covers nitrates etc, and the other covers calcium n such once i add corals?

any recommendations on what kits to look out for?

 

Calcium is good. The others are ok it's just that some don't read on a low enough scale. Po4 and no3 read in the high range. Which is fine if you're having a problem (or new tank /need the high range) If you're trying to run a reef with SPS it's best to know your po4 and no3 in the lower range. Never really had a problem with API kits you just need to realize they have limits. If you're new just go ahead and get the API kit and be aware you may need finer detail at some point. If algae shows up you know there is probably too much no3/po4. Some people know their tanks well enough they don't need to test for most things all that often.
I like Hannah checker and Elos for alkalinity.
Elos for magnesium
API for calcium.
I use Red Sea for no3 because it gives a finer detail than API.

 

Agreed with above as well only thing. I really have to add is the lines on the tubes are inaccurate. Easy to correct for and once you do that thy seem pretty accurate. I use a syringe. Other thing is make sure you shake all bottles well before using. This is true with all brands though as is keeping clean equipment.

 

sweet. thanks!

 

If you are going to keep corals the main kits you will need are Calcium,Alk., and Magnesium. Having kits for ammonia,nitrates,phosphate and nitrite are not as critical except when cycling or having an issue you can't identify.

 

+1,you can get an inexspensive syringe at most pharmacies,a 5ml syringe that is used to measure medication for children will work fine to measure your water sample.

 

sweet. i've already got a syringe i think will work, it's one of those u use to feed baby turtles, i got it at petco for like $4. it doesn't have a needle on the end, it's got a plastic tip with a bigger hole. i think it's similar to what u would use to give a baby liquid medications...

 

i think i'll just go with the API kits until i get more into it.