Best test kits

[Myka]

I gave up on Salifert for calcium and alkalinity a long time ago. When I buy a new kit, I always test twice with the old kit, twice with the new kit. Salifert Calcium was off by 60-80 ppm from itself, not once, but twice when I made the new kit swap out. The old kit being well within expiry. For alkalinity, Salifert reads about 2 dKH higher than Elos, API, and Hanna. So I gave up on that one too.

I recently bought a Salifert Calcium kit because I couldn't get Elos ordered in. It reads 60 ppm higher than the Elos. Argh...I hate test kits.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Myka

I gave up on Salifert for calcium and alkalinity a long time ago. When I buy a new kit, I always test twice with the old kit, twice with the new kit. Salifert Calcium was off by 60-80 ppm from itself, not once, but twice when I made the new kit swap out. The old kit being well within expiry. For alkalinity, Salifert reads about 2 dKH higher than Elos, API, and Hanna. So I gave up on that one too.

I recently bought a Salifert Calcium kit because I couldn't get Elos ordered in. It reads 60 ppm higher than the Elos. Argh...I hate test kits.

This was a common report a while back, which was the catalyst in me switching to Elos. I've been happy with them, so stuck with the brand.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

This was a common report a while back, which was the catalyst in me switching to Elos. I've been happy with them, so stuck with the brand.

Yeah, I've never ordered from Reef Supplies before (I buy locally about 95%), but I think I might just to get Elos.

I like the Hanna Alkalinity Checker, but the battery dies quickly, so I have to pack batteries around. I use up a pack of tests every 8 weeks or so. I'm starting to get old on it too. Maybe Elos all the way again.

[Aquattro]

I buy all my supplies on Boxing day, so I have kits, carbon, additives, etc once a year. I have lots of kits
Once my tank is somewhat mature and stable, I usually stop testing other than quarterly or if something seems off. My kits often expire. lol

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

My kits often expire. lol

Mine don't. I test clients' tanks weekly. I'm very efficient at it these days.

[Aquattro]

I just replaced my Salifert NO3 kit. It expired 2008.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I just replaced my Salifert NO3 kit. It expired 2008.

Haha, I did the same thing a couple years ago. I think mine was 2005 expired, but I was still using it. Surprisingly, it was still accurate. Their NO3 kit is pretty good - that's the one I use.