Master test kit recommendations

[dirtefish]

My api reef kit is just about to run out on a few of the tests, rather than buying another of a kit I wasnt too impressed with I was check for some opinions or recommendations.

Seems like each of the major brand major test kits is missing one type of test, or has issues with clarity of results or a huge variance.

As far as testing goes what I think I need to be testing for may be incorrect so please correct me if im missing something or am testing for something that I do not need.

Ph, KH, Calc, Phosphate, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia

I am considering a ph meter, but its not in the budget after my leds purchase, at least not until after xmas.

 

[SAZAMA]

api-cal and salifert-alk

 

[dirtefish]

salifert stuff looks good and has some good reviews, wish they had a full master reef kit. ty saz

 

[SAZAMA]

check out bulkreefsupply.com I trust these guys for sure, if thats what they use...

 

[DyM]

I've been using Salifert for just about everything, and elios for Calc too for double checking. Those Hana meeters look enticing though...

 

[Walter White]

Id have to say i like the api calc test better than the salifert. It seems to me the api kit makes a much more drastic color shift than the salifert making it a little easier to measure where as the salifert seems like it takes several drops to get to a full color shift once the solution begins to turn from pink to blue. The way the instructions are laid out to me leave much to interpretation and thus doubt on what my reading really should be. Plus api is way cheaper. Just my opinion.

Edit:
One rant about the API calcium test though. Why the $%^& do they make bottle 1 and bottle 2 the same size when on average a person is going to need 2.5 times as much of bottle 2 than bottle 1? So wastefull!
end rant

 

[dv3]

Id have to say i like the api calc test better than the salifert. It seems to me the api kit makes a much more drastic color shift than the salifert making it a little easier to measure where as the salifert seems like it takes several drops to get to a full color shift once the solution begins to turn from pink to blue. The way the instructions are laid out to me leave much to interpretation and thus doubt on what my reading really should be. Plus api is way cheaper. Just my opinion.

Edit:
One rant about the API calcium test though. Why the $%^& do they make bottle 1 and bottle 2 the same size when on average a person is going to need 2.5 times as much of bottle 2 than bottle 1? So wastefull!
end rant

i had that same issue with salifert when i first started using it ... now as soon as the color starts to shift to the color indicated i read the results which is i believe they expect you to interpret it
ive never tested it to be sure but overall salifert is thought to be more accurate than than api by many

 

[Walter White]

Oh god I hope not if so my calcium is really really low.

 

[dv3]

Oh god I hope not if so my calcium is really really low.

they do take some getting used too

 

[that0neguy1126]

I very rarely test my calcium directly.
If you know your mag/alk/cal are all on target, just test for Alk. The test is easier to read, faster, simpler, and cheaper.

Although, this only works if you are dosing a balanced additive.

 

[chrislorentz]

Test kit what is that?