test kit recommendations

[oneonta]

Are there particular test kit brands that are more accurate or better than others? I plan on getting some, but want to make sure I don't get the crummy kind.
Also, for starting out is it ammonia, nitrite and nitrates that I need and then later alkaline and calcium?

Thank you

[Pete Jaenecke]

I like salfiert, and dont forget to get one for the PH,

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Personally, I wouldn't bother to measure nitrite. It is not very toxic in a marine aquarium.

In general,good kits are made by Hach, Salifert, Seachem,and LaMotte.

I've used and like the LaMotte ammonia, nitrate and alkalinity kits; Salifert nitrate, calcium and alkalinity; Hach calcium, magneisum, alkalinity, phosphate, and silica; Seachem alkalinity.

[drummerdharris]

Randy,

I have searched for the Hach magnesium kit, but I haven't had much luck. Their website refers to the hardness kit for testing magnesium. Do you have an individual Hach kit for magnesium or was it part of a comprehensive set. Do you remember where you got your kit?

TIA,
David

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is a combo kit with calcium:

Total Hardness and Calcium 1457-01

You get magnesium by difference between total hardness and calcium.

[drummerdharris]

Thanks, Randy.

[thrlride]

I've heard good things about lamotte. I personally use salifert.

[Shoestring Reefer]

I like seachem, and their customer support is excellent.

[oneonta]

Thanks everyone for the information.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing. :)