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Test kit recommendations?

A

Audi0s

Im still amassing all the things I need to keep my tank healthy and happy. I came across someone on craigslist selling a bunch of salifert test kits. Prices are as follows
have the following Salifert test kits left:
> Ammonia: $10
> Copper: $9
> Nitrite: $9
> Nitrate: $12
> Calcium: $18
> Magnesium: $18

What does everyone think? Which should I definately get and what can I skip on? I have a test kit now, but its older and I dont trust it, it came from a friend. I was thinking at least copper, calcium, and magnesium, but Im not sure. Which ones are necessary and which can I get by without? Im going to do a small reef setup in my nano 24. Thanks
 
B

beerfish

JerseyWendy said:
I'd get them all. Make sure you ask the seller when they expire. ;)
Click to expand...

I second that. Although I may not get the copper, as I go to lengths to ensure copper never gets anywhere near my system. Otherwise, get them all. You'll want some on hand in case anything goes wrong after your initial cycle, and the CA, MG you'll use frequently if you end up keeping SPS, clams, etc.
 
Y

ynotme4886

I'd get them all too.

They should have a exp date stamped on them somewhere.

Check the dates and the content levels of the kits....if they are mostly empty then its not a good a deal as it seems

Also I am not sure how long they are good for after they are opened

But someone here should know that answer.
 
R

rafal07013

and I am not in favor of buying them all. and it is purely based on my experience. i would get the basic ones only and look into purchasing monthly/quarterly subscription into water testing. it will cost you a little bit more, but once a month/quarter you will have a complete report what is in your water rather than playing guessing game based on colors. it costs more but you get everything you need to know.
 
Y

ynotme4886

You can buy a subscription for testing your water.....that I did not know.

You wouldnt happen to have a link for that so I can check it out would you?

Thanks
 
J

JerseyWendy

rafal07013 said:
and I am not in favor of buying them all. and it is purely based on my experience. i would get the basic ones only and look into purchasing monthly/quarterly subscription into water testing. it will cost you a little bit more, but once a month/quarter you will have a complete report what is in your water rather than playing guessing game based on colors. it costs more but you get everything you need to know.
Click to expand...

Rafal, the test kits he mentioned ARE the basic ones, with the exception of copper perhaps. If he's starting a tank, all the ones he's mentioned are quite important and should definitely be tested more often than once a month.

Also, the "guessing" game seems to have worked fine for me for the past 2 years. :)
 
Y

ynotme4886

WOW..... thats pricey.....$90 a month or $900 for the year.

Not in my budget.....My wife would have a cow if I spent $900 a year just to have my water tested.
 
R

rafal07013

I wish everything was that easy - maybe I am color blind :eek:


JerseyWendy said:
Rafal, the test kits he mentioned ARE the basic ones, with the exception of copper perhaps. If he's starting a tank, all the ones he's mentioned are quite important and should definitely be tested more often than once a month.

Also, the "guessing" game seems to have worked fine for me for the past 2 years. :)
Click to expand...
 
B

beerfish

rafal07013 said:
and I am not in favor of buying them all. and it is purely based on my experience. i would get the basic ones only and look into purchasing monthly/quarterly subscription into water testing. it will cost you a little bit more, but once a month/quarter you will have a complete report what is in your water rather than playing guessing game based on colors. it costs more but you get everything you need to know.
Click to expand...

When something goes wrong in my tank, the test kits come out. I'm not waiting to ship water for test results, not even overnight. While you can get your water professionally tested, it doesn't absolve you of the responsibility to keep test kits available for when things go awry.
 
A

Audi0s

Problem somewhat solved. My brother bought me the API Reef master test kit for my birthday. Should I still go after all of the kits? Or just certain ones?
 
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