confused about test kits

[swalke2]

From what I have read on the forum API test kits are garbage. I am wondering for a new salt tank and hopefully reef keeper what would be a good entry level test kit?

I see a RedSea master reef kit that tests for nitrate, calcium, and phosphate but I need to also be looking at chlorine, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity, iodine also right?

Is there one kit that does it all or do I need multipul kits?

Thanks
Steve

 

[jcook54]

Seachem has a pretty good kit with a lot of the basics. I prefer Salifert kits and just bought them one by one as I needed them. I don't test for nitrite, iodine or trace elements (strontium, boron). Iodine and trace elements take care of themselves with regular water changes but that's just me.

 

[stacy22]

I would stick with Salifert, EOS, or Sea Chem.

 

[brianjfinn]

Just keep in mind that there's no point in spending money on something that doesn't work. I know everyone wants to save money, but some times it's better to shell out the necessary cash for quality kits so that you have information you can use.

Don't get Red Sea. Some like Seachem, I don't have any experience with them. I prefer Salifert because they're accurate and not the most expensive. Many like Elos, but they're on the higher end of price.

 

[superclown]

I had the seachem and i didn't like it. Not the accuracy but the little trays got on my nerves

 

[swalke2]

Thanks, that was turning me off when looking at seachem.

 

[chefrepo]

Same here on the Seachem. Those little trays are annoying. Go with Salifert. (I dont have any experience with Elos but have heard good things about them) Straight forward and easy yet very accurate. I usually test Nitrate, Calcium, PH, Mg, KH. I need to get a phosphate test and check that. Oh I do have one API test.....Ammonia. I figure if that shows anything other than 0 I have a problem.

 

[superclown]

chefrepo;579302 wrote: Same here on the Seachem. Those little trays are annoying. Go with Salifert. (I dont have any experience with Elos but have heard good things about them) Straight forward and easy yet very accurate. I usually test Nitrate, Calcium, PH, Mg, KH. I need to get a phosphate test and check that. Oh I do have one API test.....Ammonia. I figure if that shows anything other than 0 I have a problem.

Keep in mind there has been reports of api ammonia kits not even registering anything in ammonia filled tanks

 

[chefrepo]

SuperClown;579304 wrote: Keep in mind there has been reports of api ammonia kits not even registering anything in ammonia filled tanks

Have not heard about that. Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[skymastre]

I have a very hard time using seachem...I think it's all but impossible to see if you have trace levels of ammonia or no ammonia.

 

[ralph atl]

Elos and Salifert are your best bet with hobby grade kits. I prefer Elos.

 

[gnashty]

I like Seachem, the tray doesnt bother me at all

Elos is good too, a little steppy on the Mag and CA but what isnt really....