Test kits

[i<3reefs]

I'm actually not new to saltwater aquariums, however I've not ran one in 5-6 years. I'm curious what test kits are most recommended for each category for water quality.
Thanks for your time.
I'm attempting to upload a shot of my 55 gallon Aquarium, which has just started the nitrogen cycle. Looking forward to adding a small cleanup crew soon.

 

[i<3reefs]

Took me a second to figure it out, but this is a shot of my aquarium. I'm currently curing additional live rock, so a friend can get into the hobby.

 

[brokendeck]

Cant believe noone has answered this. Salifert is suppose to be one of the best.

 

[meowzer]

OK...you should have a test kit for the following: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, p.h., calcium, phosphates, alkalinity....There are more too, but those should get you started.
YES Sailfert is supposed to be the best brand of kits, I use an A.P.I SW master kit, and I have some Red Sea kits.....I had a Nutra Fin...IT STUNK..

 

[oceansidefish]

API is good for the basic stuff, especially since you won't use some after a few months. Salifert all the way for ALK CA and everything else.

 

[gooch]

For what it's worth you could probably skip the ammonia and nitrite test kits.
From what I have seen Salifert is the prefered test kit, and seachem is a decent cheaper alternative.
I have API and though I am a fan of their price, I am not a fan of distinguishing the minute differences in the shades of colors.

 

[salt210]

Gooch I will have to agree to disagree with you. nitrite and ammonia needs to be test kits that are available at any time to us aquarists.
I thought about buying a seachem kit myself, but would rather save the money for the salifert instead.
welcome back to the hobby and I am sure you have noticed that it has changed a lot since you have been away

 

[gooch]

Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3025889
Gooch I will have to agree to disagree with you. nitrite and ammonia needs to be test kits that are available at any time to us aquarists.
I thought about buying a seachem kit myself, but would rather save the money for the salifert instead.
welcome back to the hobby and I am sure you have noticed that it has changed a lot since you have been away
From what I have heard from people, and from what I have experienced as well is that basically the only testing for those two is done is during your cycle and after that they are sort of redundant to test for because they turn into Nitrates. Perhaps I am wrong, but I have heard it echoed by others.

 

[salt210]

if something starts to go wrong with the tank it would help to have them on hand to verify there results, but yes you are right other than that testing for them would be redundant, but you should still have them on hand.

 

[i<3reefs]

I really appreciate all the responses, and yes quite a bit has progressed. People are far more knowledgeable, and I've realized several errors I made in the past by catching up on these forums.
As a point of reference one of my favorite old threads was getting a picture by picture update of that gentleman building a refugium tank in his basement that was the size of a small pond. I still remember thinking that he had to have the happiest Queen Conch Snail in any private aquarium.