what test kit to use?

[fishnut]

I bought a master test kit when I set up my first tank. It was expensive, and after the tank was cycled, I found I didn't use it much anymore. My recommendation would be to buy individual test kits from Salifert as you need them.

Once I tried SeaChem, and couldn't even get the reference sample to test out right.

After trying to determine pH readings from colors which were essentially the same for different values, I bought a pH monitor, which I find much easier to use.

Salifert is my first choice for Ca and Alk testing, and apparently they are soon to be including reference samples, according to Habib on Reef Central. If you have any questions about the Salifert test kits or their use, you can send a message to Habib on the rc board.

[StirCrazy]

I like sailfert for all my kits except the nitrate and the phosphate. these two I think a hagen would be just as good.

Steve

[Canadian Man]

All my test kit's are hagen and they work great.
Just follow the instrucitons

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Canadian Man

Just follow the instrucitons

That must be where I went wrong!! Go figure

[Samw]

Shake solution hard before using it.

I read once that Salifert kits have expiry dates of about a year or something. After that, the readings become inaccurate. However, they don't stamp the kits with an expiry date. Any truth to that or is this something that's true for all brands?

[Quinn]

The Hagen pH test kit sucks, but then again, I'm sure most pH test kits suck.