Which test kit(s) do I need?

[sushi]

I see there is an API saltwater test kit and reef test kit, but I think they have some of the same tests. Do I need both or are there just a few tests I really need to worry about?

[Kris]

Reef or fish only or?

[jason142]

Ok, so not sure what you already have so I will give you the essentials. You need a refractometer to test your salinity and the only 3 test kits I use regularly are salifert magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity.

[jason142]

IMO I would stay away from the api test kits for those 3. I guess you are also going to need ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate since you are setting up new and are going to go through a cycle, you could use API for those.

[seanmcknew]

Personally I use the basic three ammonia, nitrate, nitrite with API. Don't test these anymore unless I suspect something might be off. I use the salifert for cal, mag, alk. But i ordered the red sea test kit of these three as well to check ease of use and accuracy.

[sushi]

I have a hydrometer for testing gravity that should be fine, currently I have nothing I am planning to have a sand bed, live rock, some fish, some corals. I have nothing as far as test kits go either, so I thought I would need at least the API Saltwater Master that has ph, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. Maybe I can just start with that one since I won't really have anything in my tank for awhile. Then I can buy magnesium calcium and alkalinity.

[sushi]

Personally I use the basic three ammonia, nitrate, nitrite with API. Don't test these anymore unless I suspect something might be off. I use the salifert for cal, mag, alk. But i ordered the red sea test kit of these three as well to check ease of use and accuracy.

Sounds the same as jason142, so that's what I'll do. Thanks guys!

[jason142]

Hydrometers are not very accurate and it is not uncommon to have varying results on the same water. If you were only keeping fish then I would say it will be fine but if you plan on keeping corals accuracy and stability are key to successful reef keeping.

[guineaguy]

I use salifert MAG. CAL. ALK

[sushi]

Hydrometers are not very accurate and it is not uncommon to have varying results on the same water. If you were only keeping fish then I would say it will be fine but if you plan on keeping corals accuracy and stability are key to successful reef keeping.

Oh I didn't know that, I guess I'll grab a refractometer soon too, I'll keep an eye out for one here