Test Kit?

Im looking for a good kit to use to test the levels in my tank. I currently only have one of those all in one strip kits, and Im wondering what brand of kit will be good to get. Also what are the "must have" tests to have? Money is tight and would like to eventually get every kit necessary but I believe the specific test kit for say Nitrates are like $20 each, and that surely would add up. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Well, this is a very, very talked about subject.
Theres many diferent brands, not all all good because it hard to tell the colors, not cause their not accurate. My favorite is salifert and seachem mixed. Off course, ive heard Lamotte is increidable, but my pocket is not deep enough, plus kinda hard to come across with.

 

+1. Salifert and some seachem. I also have a new ELOS that is great but more expensive.

Marc.

 

i have the nutrafin master test kit it works well all the kits i need .

 

I am also looking for a good full kit to purchase.. right now I am taking my water to the lfs almost twice a week! haha.. might as well save the gas and do it myself.. i just bought the ph test from them for 5 bux day before so i need some more!

 

hey mario try ebay , i saved nearly 100 bucks on mine . and that was for 10 testkits .

 

ya, I pretty much buy everything on ebay anyway haha.
what brand did you get? What tests did you get( ph, amonia, etc, etc)

 

Me three.


the Test kits I would defiantly own are. Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia.

 

what do you think about this one to start off with? I cant find a kit that has more tests included in it

eBay: Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit - 4 Different Tests (item 260090058875 end time Mar-01-07 16:38:25 PST)

 

I recomend you start with the marine basic kit from seachem. Its very accurate, and easy to use, and inexpensive. I wouldnt go any other way. I have tried a couple of test kits chasing the goal of not spending too much on them, and i came to the conclusion that its better to have a good test kit rather than a cheap one wich you would have to strugle for hours to get used to it, or just to get a reading that sounds right.