Test Kits...
 

Is there somewhere I can read about which is bad? Im out of Cal...and have been using API. Are they just as good as anyother, such as instant ocean ?

API are very good kits, esp for the price. The only complaint some guys have about API is that they give a broad reading (i.e. Ca only tells you with 20ppm). For most people this is fine though. I see you have a 30g, you should be fine. I (and many others) have used Salifert for a while and are now switching back to API.

LaMotte kits - a bit pricey, but excellent quality, very durable, easily read results, and cheaper in the long run as you can easily buy the reagents seperately

Lamotte or Elos from Marine Depot. Good pricing.

LaMotte is great, but very expensive. There is no way it is cheaper in the long run. The most expensive API kit is $7.