looking to buy new test kit

i started off using API master saltwater test kit with NH3, NO2, NO3 and PH.

i got the red sea pro fof Mg, Ca, and dkh, i was think of going to red sea for the NH3 NO2 NO3 and ph but also wanted to know if phosphate checking is really that important. im really just setting the tank up for starter corals, easy to care for stuff and fish. nothing fancy i just want real life exp from other ppl who have used other kits.
also was thinking seachem or salifert
i read the reviews and they all seem to avg out
some of the things im looking at are

1)ease of use

2)how easy it is to read

3) accuracy of test

4)the starting cost of the kit

5)cost of refills

6)and of course the opinions of my peers

 

Good luck.

Oh, phosphate... I wouldn't get it for a brand new tank but you'll want it down the road. Phosphate tests aren't the easiest to read for any brand IME but manageable. Have not yet tried that Hanna checker though.

 

I like you and many others started with API tests for the ease of use and low cost but have upgraded to salifert for Mg Ca and Alk.I think the PO4 test is very helpful for any tank,including one that is fish only or one with easy corals as it can help control alae.Red Sea sells an algae control kit that includes tests or NO3 and PO4 that I am thinking of upgrading to in the near future(next online order).

 

I use the Hanna Checker for phosphates and love it. I think Biocube and a few others here use it as well.

As for other test, I have to disagree with RedSea being a PITA. Every test is prone to user error and I use Red Sea for CA, Alk, Mag, and nitrate. The only one I cant stand is the Mag test because it takes forever and is tedious but the other 3 are a breeze once you get it down. I like API as a very quick check and use it for pH, nitrate, and alk because of ease of use. I do not trust them as much as RedSea though but test with both to compare results and make sure the numbers are close.

 

Kind of my point really. You shouldn't have to practice (waste) to get a test down...

Mg is definitely the one most prone to user error, IMO.

 

Almost any test kit you use though has room for error and takes a little time for the user to become comfortable with. My mistake was not really the instruction booklet on how to perform the test so I filled the little syringes up with the reagent to the 1ml mark pulling the plunger way past and not accounting for the tip holding fluid. After getting crazy numbers I read the directions and found my error realizing the tip holds fluid and the level in the syringe is only supposed to be around .8ml. No further problems and consistent results