PLEASE SUGGEST ...test kit

Im looking for a quality brand test kit that covers all of the essetials ....ph, alk, nit, nit, phos, calc, mag ...etc. Is there an "all inclusive" kit for this? if not, what name brands should I be looking for in terms of quality?

 

API master test kit and API reef test kit will get you everything minus Mg. I recommend Salifert for Mg. And as you run out of individual API tests, I would recommend replacing them with higher end kits such as Salifert. They are just easier to ready and do in general...

i would recommend a refractometer to measure your SG. ~$30 shipped on eBay

The API pH test is very difficult to decipher IMO. I got an electronic "pH pen" like you might use to test your pool with. 30 shipped on eBay

 

Salifert and Elos are great test kits. I prefer Elos, but that's just because I like the packaging a bit more

 

Seachem are good kits also.

 

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. With so many options, and a lack of knowledge on my part with test kits, this info is very helpful. It will save my from going to my lfs twice a week for a param check.

 

I used the API test kits initially as they were cheaper. I bought the Reef Kit and Saltwater Master Kit. I then also had to buy a Mg kit. I have slowly converted to Salifert test kits and like them. They are more accurate and easier to read IMO.

 

The API Nitrate test kinda sucks, it's very difficult to read. Waste of time/ expense, IMO. The Salifert Nitrate test is really nice, it allows you to get a very accurate result.

I use API Alk test and compared it to Salifert and it's pretty accurate.

Using an API Calcium test I got 510, and with Salifert, I got 470 on the same batch of water. Since the Salifert tend to me more accurate, I would trust it over the API, but the numbers weren't TOO far off and knowing this, I can adjust my readings to closely match what it "should" be with the API kit.

Overall, if you can afford it, I'd go with the Salifert kits.

 

Salifert give my Ca level of 450, while the API test kit gives 350.... But the alakanility one is good....

 

I think the best "all around" brand is Salifert but they don't sell all-in-one kits. I like Elos for a couple things like alkalinity occasionally.
I'm considering trying out API for a couple things again just because they're somewhat cheap, I used some of their kits in the past and wasn't very satisfied, especially with the dropper bottles and vials with the stupid caps that are such a hassle to use, and their calcium always tested pretty high.
Make sure you get the kits from a place that has high turnover of their stock so that you get some fresh kits since these things have expiration dates and lots of places will sell kits close to their expiration dates.

 

Thanks for all of your guidance. I bought an API all in one ....and a separate Calc and mag test. I used it and my params were spot on. My lfs uses the same kit. Unfortunately, he doesnt carry salifert, but Ill look for it online to buy, use, and compare.