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#1
11-21-2011, 05:18 PM
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Test kits - Red Sea Pro vs Seachem Reef vs Hanna
I'm looking to purchase test kits (Calcium, Alkalinity, Phosphate, Magnesium, etc.) for what will become my new reef tank , and am wondering which brand of various test kits appear to give the most accurate and consistent results... Red Sea Pro, Seachem Reef test kits, D-D, Elos, etc. (and isn't so complicated it requires an NASA rocket scientist to come in and perform the tests). I would love to get the Hanna Digital checkers. The get very good reviews on the net... but I can't justify the price... $60 for each checker with only 15 tests (for the Calcium checker for example), then another $30 for an additional 25 tests. Maybe I'm wrong, but the prices for the Hanna Checkers and refills seem high/excessive. It would cost $90 for 40 tests with the Hanna Calcium Checker (including the checker), vs $30 for 75 Calcium tests with Red Sea Pro, vs $30 for 150 Calcium tests with the Seachem Reef Status Calcium kit.
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150 Gal Cichlid tank, 55 Gal Cichlid tank, 42 Gal Hex Tropical tank, 2 Fluval Edge Tropical tanks. And... 3 Miniature Schnauzers 
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#2
11-21-2011, 05:31 PM
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get the hanna phosphate checker - most other phosphate test kits are very hard to read.
i would go with salifert for alkalinity and calcium. They are easy to use titration kits seachem marine test kit for nitrate/nitrites/ammonia/ph elos makes great kits too but salifert is top notch as well.
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#3
11-21-2011, 08:34 PM
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Haven't used the Hanna stuff yet... But I have tried the Red Sea Mg, cause there was no ELOS to get, and I HATE IT!!!! I can do 3 tests all in a row and get 3 different results.
I will be going back to ELOS for now, until I can see a Hanna one come out, and see it work.
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 Setup: 180G DT, 105G Refuge (approx. 300lbs LR, 150lbs Aragonite) Hardware: Super Reef Octopus SSS-3000, Tunze ATO, Mag 18 return, 2x MP40W, 2X Koralia 4's Wavemaker Lighting: 5ft Hamilton Belize Sun (2x250W MH, 2X80W T5HO) Type of Aquarium: mixed reef (SPS & LPS) with fish Dosing: Mg, Ca, Alk
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#4
11-21-2011, 08:43 PM
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I have the Hanna calcium and alkalinity. I really have nothing to check accuracy against but what ever you do be very accurate with the water and solutions you need to add in testing and they should read out accurate. I got alot more than 15 tests in the calcium so not sure what to say there. For the ease of use and not trying to decide what "shade" of color is showing on other kits I'm glad I bought the Hanna testers.
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#5
11-21-2011, 10:16 PM
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Quote:
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150 Gal Cichlid tank, 55 Gal Cichlid tank, 42 Gal Hex Tropical tank, 2 Fluval Edge Tropical tanks. And... 3 Miniature Schnauzers
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#6
11-21-2011, 10:47 PM
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I love the hannas. If nothing else, get the hanna po4. I've had troubles with the elos mg and switched to seachem. Seemed very complex for the first test (i was 55 days setuo into a stretch of night shift) but I really like it now. If you get the hanna ca, it takes a bit to get used to. You have to be very accurate with your testing methods. I vote hanna for all of them... If you're going to skip one, skip the ca, and go elos.
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-Murdoch 160 gallon Reef, almost all SPS, a few LPS, small handfull of Zoas, and 5 clams. LOVING the upgrade (now that most of the work is done!) My tank Journal: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75924
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#7
11-22-2011, 06:04 PM
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I use Elos for ca alk mg nitrate and phosphate
I think I'm going to try the hanna phosphate when it runs out as it goes to really low readings I get consistent results with Elos as long as your measurements are accurate
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250G DD LED SPS R.I.P. 180G LED SPS 80"x36". 300G custom build Owner of Mountain Ridge Heating and Gas Class A gas fitter, HVAC
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