Test kits, what is the current best?

[wildernets]

I have not needed to test my water in my reef for quite some time. In setting up this new tank I figure I'd better do some testing in it. What is the best test going right now. Just need the basics. Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite....etc. Just want to track the cycle. Everything else can be managed with salt for now. Thanks for the info.

 

[lsu_fishfan]

Red Sea, salifert, and Hanna are what I use. Not sure if Hanna has a checker for nitrite and ammonia, but it would provide the most detailed readings

 

[shanepike]

This video goes into a ton of detail on a wide range of test kits and gives you unvarnished opinions on all of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6xyaHo91S0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6xyaHo91S0</a>

The short answer (not surprisingly) is "it depends" :)

 

[civics14]

I know I'm going to get hell for this, but for basic test for a cycle, I use API. It is good enough to track if there is any ammonia or nitrite, I don't need exact numbers. Because we all know, we need those two parameters equal to zero.

I have used it for years, no issues here.

 

[atlfishes]

I wouldn't say one brand does the best of all test kits. You need to find the balance of simplicity, readability and accuracy. Bulk reef supply does a good video of going through test kits. After using using multiple kits I use the below brands.
Red Sea = Magnesium & Nitrate
Salifert = Alk
Hanna = Phosphate, but you should buy Phosphorus meter do to better accuracy and convert it.
API = Calcium (I may catch some grief for this one, but using it for a decade and no issues)

 

[jennm]

I like Seachem, except for their ammonia test. I wish they'd upgrade that some.

All Seachem tests come with a vial of reference solution so you can make sure the test is accurate. They are affordable and most are easy to use and read, and they are accurate.

Jenn