Test Kits...!!

[Lulabell55]

Hello Again!!

I am off to buy a water testing kit tomorrow, can anyone suggest a brand to buy???

Thanks
Kerry

Also, can some tell me test's it must include just so i know I have them all. Thanks

[subz88]

I use Salifert for most of my kits.

What type of tank are you keeping?
If it's fish only, you can get away with Ammonia (NH4) Nitrite (NO2) and Nitrate (NO3) test kits. It's also worth getting a pH test kit, but if you have trouble discerning some of the colours, it's worth buying a digital pH monitor.

For the phosphate test kit I'd recommend a high resolution kit such as Deltec, they're expensive, but give a much better indication than the standard Salifert.

If you're keeping SPS/LPS corals and inverts that require calcium, I'd recommend you get a Calcium (Ca), Alkalinity (Alk) and Magnesium (Mg) test kit.

HTH :)

[Kev]

I used to use Salifert, but have not tested my water for 8 months now:o

However, Salifert would be my recommendation.

Kev

[Macca]

Salifert has my vote

James

[Rover]

Moving over to Salifert myself as older test kits are used up.

[newkidfish]

I've used several makes but find the salifert good for most things with the following exceptions, I use Tetra for ammonia as I find the colour chart easier to read, and red sea for nitrite again as used to colour chart.
I think the main thing imho is to get used to a make of test and then stick to it. If your looking for technical reviews on test kits look up fish keeping magazine, they often compare several test kits and give feedback.

[Reefer]

Before you buy all the kits ask your regular lfs if they could provide you with free water testing, some do for regular customers. A good service if you can get it.

[Kev]

Hehehehe.

I would still be bone idle, and not take water to LFS for testing:D

Kev

[Reefer]

Kev your not so bone idle you have 700 posts!!

[moorish]

i only test my water every 6 months because i find quite a lot of test kits only give you a rough guide ,especially the nitrate ones.i just monitor the condition of the fish,their colours how they swim about and if everything looks ok i dont need to test.when i do test i use salifert kits.derek

[Kev]

Kev your not so bone idle you have 700 posts!! lol. Obviously this frees up time.:D

I must say, my approach is similar to Dereks. I just look at the condition of the livestock. I found when testing I was just shelling out the hard earned dosh for the kit to give me the same reading week in / week out. Bear in mind my tank is mature. My regular maintenance regime keeps the water in tip top condition.

Kev

[Dons1903]

Kev,

I know what you mean, and I do the same. Once the system is mature and settled you can kind of tell what is going on by observing the fish and corals.

However for a new system, and for someone who doesn't yet have the experience, regular testing is vital to highlight any problems.

In truth, I feel that I should do more testing anyway as it would be better on the beasties to know of an issue from test results before it starts, rather than waiting for it to start having adverse effects on our beloved fish and corals.

After all what is the price of a few test kits compared to the wellfair of the contents of our tanks (and the cost of them too)? :)

[Kev]

Hi Dons1903

Agree, need to test for issues with systems that are not mature, and good experience for beginners.:)

Another point for my lack of testing - SOFTIES - not as demanding as LPS.

Kev