Whats a good test kit to be using for reef system???

Rob's Reef · 10-05-2007, 03:01 AM

I currently have Aquarium Phamaceuticals SALTWATER MASTER Liquid Test Kit
Which tests for High Range PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate.

I also have their Calcium test kit.

nothing for alkalinity tho...

Can someone please steer me in the right direction for a good kit or kits and let me know what all i should be testing for please...

Thanks in advance.
Rob

NaClFinatic · 10-05-2007, 06:44 AM

I use the same tests. API works fine for me. The only other thing that I test for is phosphates. Phosphates can accumulate from food and from water if you are not using RODI. IMO that's plenty for starting out. As you get more advanced you might want to check other things as well. A good rule of thumb is don't dose anything you are not testing for.

Rob's Reef · 10-05-2007, 01:00 PM

Whats a good alkalinity test kit? as im sure it's be useful to keep an eye on from what i've been reading

Blue_June · 10-05-2007, 01:07 PM

I use Reef Master Test Kit...... It have everything you need for a reef...plus its only 20 25 bucks......

Rob's Reef · 10-05-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_June

I use Reef Master Test Kit...... It have everything you need for a reef...plus its only 20 25 bucks......

Hey Blue,

Yeah i was looking at that one myself and was going to get it but wanted to get some feedback here if there was something else out there that would be better...

Thanks

***lReef lKeeper*** · 10-05-2007, 05:47 PM

alot of reefers use Salifert and Seachem test kits for thier reliability and reputation.

salt-rookie · 10-05-2007, 06:38 PM

I like Salifert test kits. And don't trust swing arms for salinity...get a refractometer!

Rob's Reef · 10-06-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salt-rookie

I like Salifert test kits. And don't trust swing arms for salinity...get a refractometer!

did a quick search on the refractometer, not realy sure what the upside to it is... if you have any good links on literature pls link.

**CarmieJo** · 10-06-2007, 01:21 PM

I bought an API master kit when I set my tank up and I think it is OK. When it is used up I will most likely replace the kits with Seachem or Salifert. In addition to the basic 4 in the API kit I have Ca, Alk, PO4 and Mg/Carbonate Alk/Borate Alk.

poppin_fresh · 10-10-2007, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob's Reef

did a quick search on the refractometer, not realy sure what the upside to it is... if you have any good links on literature pls link.

A refractometer is a highly accurate way to measure the salinity of your tank. Its a simple device that only requires you to place a few drops of water on the glass of the unit. You then look through a lens and read the the resulting measurement. The light passing through the water is reflected at an angle based on the salt content, which is shown as a line as you look through the unit.

Not only is this device more accurate over time, most auto compensate for temperature and they can be calibrated easily. Swing arm hydrometers are often calibrated for a certain temperature, and they can give bad readings as the arm develops a build up of salt or bubbles.

Pinecone_Jeff · 10-11-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppin_fresh

Swing arm hydrometers are often calibrated for a certain temperature, and they can give bad readings as the arm develops a build up of salt or bubbles.

Yes, in my past experience with swing arm hydrometers, I could never get all the bubbles off of the swing arm. I always felt that the readings were off by a bit. And because the bubble sizes were different each time I tested the water, I could never be sure how accurate each reading was. So I'd do several and average out the readings. A huge pain in the patootie.

When I get my new tank going, I'm absolutely going to include a refractometer in my test kits.

Rob's Reef · 10-11-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppin_fresh

A refractometer is a highly accurate way to measure the salinity of your tank. Its a simple device that only requires you to place a few drops of water on the glass of the unit. You then look through a lens and read the the resulting measurement. The light passing through the water is reflected at an angle based on the salt content, which is shown as a line as you look through the unit.

Not only is this device more accurate over time, most auto compensate for temperature and they can be calibrated easily. Swing arm hydrometers are often calibrated for a certain temperature, and they can give bad readings as the arm develops a build up of salt or bubbles.

Thanks for the heads up, i'll be looking to grab one now...