Test Kits - what do you use?

[curiousphil]

I've been using API since setting up the tank, and I hate the Ca test with a passion, it's so tedious having to do 20-25 drops into the test tube.  The Alk one isn't so bad, as each drop equates to 1ppm (so max of 12 drops) but it gives wildly different results than a Seachem test I have kicking around, which makes me not trust it.

I would love to be able to keep myself on a more rigorous testing schedule (daily, bi-daily perhaps) so that I can setup an accurate daily dosing amount, but the tediousness drives me away.  I think my girlfriend has an Alk Hanna checker sitting around unused that I could get reagents for, and that may be my answer to testing Alk more frequently and reliably... but what about Ca?  What do you guys use?  How do you like it in terms of both ease of performing the test, and accuracy of reading it?

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

The Red Sea test  is what most use. And the Hanna's.  but not the Hanna  CA

 

[theyangman]

Salifert & Hanna

 

[TORX]

Redsea algae control and magnesium. I could use some more.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2

 

[spyd]

Red Sea for me as well for both calcium & Magnesium. Hanna for ALK. I find most testing rigerous. For dosing pump setups, get your levels to where you want them then leave your dosing pumps off for a full 24hrs. Then test again and see how low your levels go. Then use a dosing calculator and set your pumps. Manually dose to get your levels back up to where you want your levels then run the dosing pumps from there on out. Might need to adjust them slightly after a few days or so but you shouldn't have to test twice a day.

Here's a good dosing calculator:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator

 

[unibob]

Testing seems like a lot of work, I just ask my corals what they need/want.

I due it in a real soft voice, some might say I am whispering

But when I loose my voice I use salfert for everything except Alk and Phosphate which I use Hannah checkers.

 

[Jewel]

Salfert and Hanna, i've asked my Corals how they feel, but sometimes they lie.

 

[reeffreak]

Sailfert and Hanna for me

 

[Poseidon]

Red Sea And Hanna here... I use Hanna for alk and po4, cuz it's super easy