Test Kit input needed please

Ok this is the week I am filling up the store with product.
I am undecided on brands of tests kits.
What is the common brand of kit people use. 
And what do you test for?

 

Salifert and API seem to pretty popular I think. Back in the day when i used to actually test my water the main ones were Ca, Alk, Mg, and Nitrate. Ammonia tests would be handy for ppl starting new tanks.

 

Get one of these and test it out for me /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif  I like how you can do the major part of the test with one hand





Red Sea Mag Test

 

API tests are my favorite

 

I use Lamotte because they *seem* more scientific. I realize that you can't get real accurate results from ANY hobby test kit, but Lamotte makes me feel better about it all.

I have recently been moving over to the Hanna Checkers. I love them. I have a phosphate, alkalinity and nitrite checker. They have produced almost identical results to the Lamotte tests. (I won't be sad to see the Lamotte kits go, once I use them up)

 

You should stock the hanna hand held checkers.

 

Elos, Salifert, and API. I test for alk/calcium, mag and nitrate.

 

how about just the saltwater test kit from api that does nitrite nitrate ph po4 amonia cal those are the things a new guy is going to need. All this mag and kh and such is for more advanced people and I dont think you will sell as many of those as you would a beginer set.

 

API Master Kit for me------alk, cal, nitrates.

 

Salifert and API. I had a Red Sea mag test and had inconsistent results for some reason. No problems with the Salifert Mg test.

 

I've used both Salifert and API. But I plan on switching to the Hanna digital photometers for whichever tests I can do with them.

--AJ

 

+1

 

Why don't people use Seachems kits??? They are easier to use and cost less.
API for Calcium
Red Sea for Mag
Seachem for Nitrate, Alk and Phosphate.

 

I have one of their Mg tests...not a fan.  You have to filter the water, through a cotton ball and it just takes too dang long.
I can't speak for any of their other test kits though, I just know I don't like that one and prefer Salfert Mg tests. 

 

I like the elos mg kit better than the sailfert. The instructions suck but once you figure it out there is a more definite color change. I use sailfert ca and alk haven't tried anything else but api. Have a hanna po4 checker still not sure about that, can't believe mine is always 0.

 

Elos and Salfert for CA,Alk,Mag,Nitrate....Seachem for Iodine/Iodide...API for Ammonia,Nitrite...tests for when setting up a new tank ;-0)