Test kits, test kits, test kits

I keep reading posts where people say "your test kit may be bad" and "some test kits are junk".

How do you know which ones are good?

I guess right now I only really trust my refractometer. I'm using API's salt water and marine test kits... Are there better ones available?

 

Yeah the api arent as accurate i like my sailfert but im going to try the red sea pro test kits when they get here basically test kits go bad over time when i first started the hobby i bought a test kit that was actually bad from the start and put my readings all over the charts

 

yes, there are btter kits available, but they do cost more. For basic/general readings, the API kits are good for the money. I use Salifert kits for calcium, magnesium, and nitrates. Salifert are easy to use pipet style test kits that are accurate and are not very expensive (~14-25 depending on test type). I have a Hanna Checker (hand held colorometer) for alkalinity and phophates. These are quick and easy to use with very accurate and consistent results, but cost roughly $50 per checker.

many test kits have expiration dates on them. After that date, their accuracy and consistency goes down.

 

I've been using API for ca/alk/no2/no3/ammonia over 2yrs. My corals tell me that the tests are good enough for them to be thriving like they are. For me if it isn't broke, why fix it

 

I just got the red sea pro reef foundation kit a lil difficult at first but very spot on for results.Yeah just check your expiration date on the box just like for food.

 

Good to know. Thanks