Reef Test Kit???

Ok, so I might be shunned on here a lil bit cause I inherited a 90 gallon about 2 years ago & have been working on stuff ever since & i never really thought about buying a test kit to check my parameters even tho I think my tank has been doing quite well in my opinion so far but I'm ready to try to take my tank to the next level. I know I need to test my params & now that I have been apart of this forum for over a month or so I have quickly picked up knowledge like crazy & it seems to me that I really do need to pick up a reef test kit. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to pick up and where at? & Should i go with the API brand?

 

I haven't used API test kits or know where is the best place to buy a test kit in your area, as I live in the UK. I can tell you that I use salifert test kits and find them very reliable and easy to use.

Phil

 

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Calcium, Alkalinity (carbonate hardness), Magnesium are a good place to start. A phosphate test wouldn't hurt either. As invert phil stated above, Salifert is reliable and relatively easy to use.

Good luck!

 

I use API on my 75g (also an inherited tank!!) Saltwater Master and Reef Master kits. There are sales online frequently and Petco or Petsmart have had the kits on sale often. I got Reef Master kit at Petsmart, if you have those in your area. I've heard that this brand is fine to use tanks of our size. I also take my water to LFS once a month to double check params. 8 months so far and API has served me well.

 

I agree with ReefSparky also a pH test kit would be a good purchase.

 

Get the reef master kit and the saltwater master kit from API. Good bang for the buck. Shouldn't have to pay more than $20 for each of those master kits (shop online). API doesn't make Magnesium, so get that elsewhere.

IME, Red Sea Magnesium test is a PITA. When I run out, I will be switching brands.

API Ammonia, nitrate, pH, phosphate test kits I find to be difficult to read the color codes. I will be switching brands for those tests as well.

Actually, I got a pen probe for pH. That's really easy.


Also get a refractometer to measure your SG (salt).

 

ok thanks guys...this helps out a lot...i figured i should get some input before just buying a kit or kits from online

 

I use a combination of two API test kits. I hear good things about Salifert. Honestly, if there is anything involving your eyes and a color chart you're never going to get an "accurate" reading.