what test kit to use?
 

i'm looking for a test kit that's $50 and under.

to test for what?

Steve

something like the hagen master test kit? something that tests the basics.

I guess we need to know what the "basics" are to you. To me, it's Ca and alk. Each kit is in the $20 range for Salifert.

i guess i mainly want to know if the hagen's any good. that one seems to cover pH, alk, ca, nitrate, and nitrate. i thought i'm suppose to monitor those when i cycle a new tank.

To cycle a tank, I'd recommend ammonia and nitrite. When the nitrite is gone, you're good to go. I always forget about pH since I have a meter.

I personally don't like Hagen, but most people here have responded favorably in the past. I guess they can't allbe wrong (or can they? :biggrin: ). I use Salifert, like I said before, for my Ca and alk. I don't currently test anything else. J&L have a couple of test kit brands, so maybe check there also.

I have used Hagen for ammonia and nitrite. Seem fine for that. I also like the Salifert for calcium & alk. I am currently using a Seachem calcium. Seems pretty good, except for the ro water mixing thingy. I think Seachem makes a large, do many things, type kit.

I use Salifert for Ca and Alk. I am not a huge fan of Hagen test kits.

Ditto!

Those dipstick testkits have a good reputation, for the preliminary things you are looking at when cycling, and are very convenient. Once you cycle, you shouldn't be doing that again........with any luck. (Well till the next tank...)

:mrgreen:

Then Salifert is my usual choice as well.