[Aqua Man]

Hello,

Any recommendations on Test kits? Is any one brand better than another? What about thermometers and hydrometers? Any tips for using them beyond the regular instructions?

Thanks,

Aqua Man

[Reefland]

Hi Aqua Man,

For test kits the best hobbyist level kits are Salifert and LaMotte. Salifert is a bit more cost conservative than the CA an ALK kits from LaMotte. Instead of using a hydrometer, look for an Automatic Temperature Compensating Refractometer. Hydrometers have been know to be off by as much as 0.004, refractometers are easily calibrated and accurate. For temperature, any aquarium contructed thermometer will do fine.

[Steven Pro]

In addition to Salifert, I also like the Seachem test kits for pH, alkalinity, and calcium.

[Samper]

I don't think the SeaChems are very accurate but if they work for you great.

I use Salifert and digital testing equipment whenever possible. One tip with the Salifert Ca kits is that you can half the amount of chemicals you use and still get the same result as long as your calculations are right. You can get double the use of a kit that way. Everyone always recommends Ebo Jager heaters but I don't have any. The cheap glass ones are working fine I just hope they don't ever break or blow up...or get stuck on.

For a thermometer I went to walmart and bought an indoor outdoor one with the wire that can be ran outside...this goes in the tank and works great. It also senses the humidity in the room and I can turn the dehumidifier on accordingly.

[Reefland]

I think one important thing to note is all hobbyist grade test kits have some variability in their readings, meaning they are not as accurate as a labratory grade test kit. But we have to work with what we have available at a reasonable cost.

Would you agree with that Steven?

[Steven Pro]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I think one important thing to note is all hobbyist grade test kits have some variability in their readings, meaning they are not as accurate as a labratory grade test kit. But we have to work with what we have available at a reasonable cost.

Would you agree with that Steven?

Absolutely! Unless you want to shell out the big bucks for Hach kits, we have to be content with close enough. I do prefer Salifert, but you can't always find them at every LFS. Seachem is pretty good. Regardless of brand, all the chemical reactions are the same. The differences are in the quality/purity of the reagents and clarity of instructions. The one plus Seachem has it some of their kits come with a reference solution to check against.