Testing Kit

jetski · 11-15-2005, 03:13 PM

I need to buy a testing kit that tests for everything in my water. I need recommendations of which to buy. I want it all in a kit.
Money isnt an option, but dont go crazy.

reef_noob · 11-15-2005, 03:23 PM

I haven't found a kit that was worth it.
Go with Salifert. You have to buy them separately, but they are worth it.

Some suggested tests:

Ammonia
Nitrate
Nitrite
Alk/kh
Calcium
Phosphate
Magnesium

Don't bother with a ph test, just get a ph monitor.

Matt_b · 11-15-2005, 03:35 PM

When i started my marine tank i was recommended a redsea marine lab, it's an all in one kit, it tests for
ph
alk
nh3/nh4
no2
no3

But i agree with reef noob, seperate salifert kits seem the norm with most people and when i took a water sample to my lfs they used salifert kits and came up with different results than my redsea marine lab, i'm now half way through replacing my test kits for salifert

Matt

skeety · 11-15-2005, 03:52 PM

I have a Hagen Master test kit. It's okay...but not entirely accurate. It's good for telling me whether or not I should worry about a value, at which time I use the Salifert test kit to get an exact number.

Reef_noob's dead on. Salifert all the way (best), and get a pH monitor like this one:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=AMPHMK

testing pH with test kits is kind of useless. pH fluctuates througout the day. The only REAL way to know whether your in trouble or not, is to have the probe, and take a look at it periodically throughout the day.

skeety · 11-15-2005, 03:53 PM

oh...and forget hydrometers. VERY inaccurate. Use a refractometer to find out your salinity!

This one from the good doctors is pretty good, and priced quite nicely:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

Matt_b · 11-15-2005, 04:01 PM

Sorry to highjack your post jetski but i dont think i know the importance of PH

I just test whenever i do my water checks!!!

Looks like the plastic will have to come out again for a decent PH monitor

Loverotties · 11-15-2005, 04:18 PM

Salifert is the way to go,but for some reson they don't have a kit form.

skeety · 11-15-2005, 04:21 PM

hahahah

as usual...ALL depends on what you want to keep.

If it's a FO tank, pH isn't as important (still fairly important, but mainly when there's problems).

With corals...you want your pH to be as close to perfect to maximize health and growth.

But that's only part of the picture. Ca and Alkalinity are the other parts of that picture. But I'm not gonna go into that here. hahaha

It's just hard when someone posts a problem, and says..."My pH is at 8.2, so that's fine"

well...when? In the morning, before the lights have come on? That's kind of high for the morning...as it's gonnag go up during the day. Or is it towards the end of your light cycle? As that's when your pH is at it's highest.

Brent Cone · 11-15-2005, 04:25 PM

http://www.salifert.com/

reef_noob · 11-15-2005, 04:31 PM

Marine depot offers them as a package:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...rt.asp?CartId=

Not sure but you may be able to find 'em cheaper separately though.

Matt_b · 11-15-2005, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the insight Skeety

Maybe when i've got my before and after lights i'll start a new thread

Twitterbait · 11-15-2005, 04:54 PM

I use the aquaium systems brand Seatest and Fastest. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...074+2146962031

I like em because they are accurate, have easy to use stuff, and the colors to use when you compare your water come on these nice plastic chips that slide into a slot next to the vial instead of some crappy card. because you can reuse them you can also get cheap refill kits instead of buying the whole thing again.