Test Kit, And test frequency

[Bfofre]

Looking for a complete Test kit?!

What you guys recommending these days??

Any one use this as a base kit for the essentials??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Test-Kit-For-Testing-Saltwater-Reef-Aquariums-API-Saltwater-Master-550-Tests-/291065373472?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43c4d92320

Also, what do you test and on what frequency?  Interested....

 

[KBennett]

Don't use API.

I use the red sea test kit (BulkReefSupply).

I think most people use the Hanna Checker for Phosphorus.

Really, all you need to test on a regular basis is alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium.  Nitrate and phosphorus are also important to have around when problems arise.  Ammonia and nitrite are only useful during cycling, and even then not really needed.  Many of us don't bother with pH either.  The thought is that if alkalinity is high enough, pH should be in the proper range (plus it fluctuates every day).

 

[harleymike]

Don't use AP
I use the red sea test kit (BulkReefSupply).


I think most people use the Hanna Checker for Phosphorus.

Really, all you need to test on a regular basis is alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium.  Nitrate and phosphorus are also important to have around when problems arise.  Ammonia and nitrite are only useful during cycling, and even then not really needed.  Many of us don't bother with pH either.  The thought is that if alkalinity is high enough, pH should be in the proper range (plus it fluctuates every day).

YUP what he said

 

[TORX]

API is good if you are doing FOWLR tank or just while your tank is cycling (if you are testing for the cylce)

It is not accurate or read low enough to keep a successful reef tank.

RedSea Kits are my preferred. Hanna is big, but I personally do not use them.

 

[Pistol]

I prefer Salifert for the big 4, po4 is a crap shoot at best, just know you have it and run gfo or something to control it.
I test monthly at least.

 

[DerekL]

I have Salifert Red Sea and Hanna for phosphates. There are some on here having issues with Hanna's reagents but when I double check mine with my salifert phosphate kit I get the same results. I don't think I will personally buy Red Sea again and continue with salifert now that there is a store here in windsor that carries them. But like others have said if you plan on havin a reef tank stay away from API.

 

[Bfofre]

DerekL,  I hear I need to check out your tank! 

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[DerekL]

DerekL,  I hear I need to check out your tank! 

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Sure nothing really special other then if you want to see a local tank that is 100% led. Not sure if there is anyone else in our area yet. But your more then welcome to stop by. Had a heater malfunction then nitrates that got up on me so I have lost some of my sps frags that where doing soo good. I am now just letting my tank mature and level out for awhile before adding any more sps coral.

 

[Bfofre]

Well on the map....Looks like you live where my son's mother lives...
So maybe one of these times we could stop by!!

PM me your #.
Thanks

 

[Boga]

I have Salifert Red Sea and Hanna for phosphates. There are some on here having issues with Hanna's reagents but when I double check mine with my salifert phosphate kit I get the same results. I don't think I will personally buy Red Sea again and continue with salifert now that there is a store here in windsor that carries them. But like others have said if you plan on havin a reef tank stay away from API.

Derek - do you have the Hanna phosphate or phosphorus ULR checker? If you have the ULR, what reagent lot number are you using? Please advise.