Test Kits

[bearbait]

you guys know what the best test kit is? im using these that say the closet matching color is your reading and hell half the time I can barley tell the diffrence on the color card let alone the color of the water

[Pamela]

I am so with you on this, it sure seems like there ought to be a better way. Even the lighting in the room seems to change the way you see the color if you move it around the house.

[matrixnyc]

Depends on what you want to test for?

Salifert are the test kits I use, they are a little pricey, but worth the $$$
Salifert Test Kits (http://www.marinedepot.com/a_tk_sf.asp?CartId=)

I used Kordon Aquatru before, but you have the same problem with macthing the colors, but for the most part they were easy to read.

[ssgibby]

I have to go with the Salifert Test Kits

[Pamela]

Hope you don't mind me butting in Bear but after seeing the tests offered on their site I need to ask which pkg or which individual tests will you need for a new reef tank?

[matrixnyc]

You will probably need to get this test kit:

Salifert Reef Package - includes Calcium, KH/Alk, Iodine, Strontium, and Magnesium

Or if you want to make due with the basics:

Calcium
KH/Alkalinity
pH

to get you started

[Anonymous]

I use salifert and I know my color perception is off. I do my testing in the same place all the time and under a normal output flourescent 40 watt bulb. I have been testing aquqrium water for many years and have learned that none of the tests are accurate. all that we all realy need is a close as possible reading, none of the parameters are so crucial that they must be exact. watch your aqua pets, if schrooms do very well perhaps your water is holding nutrients, if the stonies are not opening up real well
water quality could be on the ebb. We are in a new age of saltwater aquaria the old school of pristine tanks /perfect conditions is over thank
God. About every 5 days sit down and observe your tank, keep notes
watch the glass, is the coralline growing slowly?(good) etc, if the tank looks clean and the inhabitants look happy then follow their lead (you will save a bundle on test kits and your anxiety level will drop. PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT SAYING NOT TO TEST BUT KNOW WHEN AND HOW. the companies who make test kits want us to not be able to read the results
and to be confused do more tests and buy more kits. :lol:

[Pamela]

I like your way of thinking Ron, after all my tank is going to bring smiles and calm to my life not more stress, well thats the plan any way! I'm going to go ahead and order the pkg that was suggested and relax. Btw, how do you get those cute little smiley faces on your replys?

[matrixnyc]

Please mention ReefLounge.com when you place an order also check the deals section, sometimes they have specials on some items you might be looking for.

The smiles are the emotions that you see to the left of the window when you type your message get yo a point that you want the smiles and click on the one you want to add.

:D :) :( :o :shock: :? 8) :lol: :x :P :oops: :cry: :wink: :roll: :twisted: :evil: :!: :?: :idea: :arrow:

[Irisservice]

Salfert all the way!!!

[Pamela]

Hey Matrix, this is just to much fun, :lol: :lol:

[matrixnyc]

Now you got the hang of it :)

I PM'd the reefloungeadmin to see if there are any discounts to Reeflounge members for test kits. I will let you know once he gets back to me, so if possible hold off a little bit. Maybe we can save you some $$$

[matrixnyc]

Ok, anyone that needs to get a test kit or wants to add to their current kit, now is the time. Reeflounge.com members get 10% off Salifert Test Kits.

Check out the info here:

http://www.reeflounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157

Hope you all can use it :)

[Pamela]

Thanks a bunch Matrix, now one more dummy question. I don't see where to put in the coupon or a spot to let them know reeflounge sent me. Should I just call it in? :?

[matrixnyc]

You have to enter the code when you check out online. If you want to call it in, I think you can call this number: 1-888-297-8838

Let me know when you get it and which in you get :)