Test Kit, And test frequency

Bfofre

Active Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2014
Location
Windsor, Ontario
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

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2012
Location
Brantford
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

Super Active Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Location
Courtright, Ontario
KBennett link said:
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

Administrator
Staff member
Website Admin
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Location
Blenheim, Ontario
Website
www.thefragtank.ca
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

Super Active Member
Donor
Joined
Aug 16, 2012
Location
Corunna
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

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2013
Location
Windsor, Ontario
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.
 

DerekL

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2013
Location
Windsor, Ontario
Bfofre link said:
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

Active Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2014
Location
Windsor, Ontario
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

Active Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Location
Dorchester, Ontario
DerekL link said:
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.
 
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