which test kit?

[craig_08]

I am going to buy a new test kit today and was wondering which one. Last time my LFS got me to get the Tetra Laborett test kit and it blows. It didn't even come with nitrAte test. I also want to get a calcium and phosphate tests. Is there a respecable choice for these that is cheap enough that I will have money for food this week too?

 

[infalable]

Most folks on this board recommend Salifert - they seem to work fine.

 

[stumpdog]

I asked this same question about a month ago and Salifert was the one suggested the most. They do tend to cost a little more, but as they say you get what you pay for. I believe buying them online would be cheaper than in a LFS. HTH.
Jeremy

 

[infalable]

Definitly on line. If you buy anything else on line just add your test kits as necessary.

 

[reefnut]

Another vote for Salifert kits. I purchased my initial set from here but have purchased a couple replacements at the LFS. They are much cheaper on-line.

 

[krowleey]

LOL Kip!!!!!! took me a second to figure out what you was saying. btw depot is believe it or not more expensive for the kit then buying seperate here at swf tho they match any price just a heads up.

 

[jerseysaltwater]

i just bought the red sea marine lab - tests pH, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. I also have some Mardel dip-strip tests - they are good as well.

 

[krowleey]

actually jersey sorry give ya the bad news but many will say here that the red sea tests are junk, and after talking to a few companies that sells them they say the same thing. they are not reliable.

 

[reef fool]

Salifert all the way. This site has very good prices on them. Why nickel and dime?!
BTW, I am not sure about everyone, but my salifert pH kit is a little annoying compared to my others. Colors are tough to distinguish. All the rest of Salifertsare perfect though.

 

[jerseysaltwater]

i always learn alot here, but it seems like i always learn after making a mistake. unfortunately i opened it and used it saturday, hoping to confirm what i was reading on my dip strips. I'll use both for now, not going to tell the wife i need to go out and spend more money... yet. - thanks - eddie

 

[hattrick58]

I use Salifert for everything except pH. It's hard for me to interpret so I use Seachem for pH. It's easier to read than the Salifert. Actually, I like Seachem except for their ammonia test. I don't trust it.

 

[infalable]

Uh oh. A wings fan in Stars territory. Go Hawks.

 

[austinreef]

Red Seas bite big time!! I to bought that garbage the first time. I have to go to the LFS to get accurate readings..BTY Mardel products suck as well

 

[jerseysaltwater]

thanks Kip - i figured since i'm just running a fowlr, it's not as critical, as long as, as you say, it's in the ball park. - eddie