Test kits

[starfish123]

Dear reefers,

can any seniors or experienced refers answer some of my questions regarding test kits?

1)what type of test kits do i need for a reef tank?

2)what type of test kits do i need for a fowlr tank?

3)if test kits are even needed, what brands should i use?

thanks

[finind]

test kits somehow can come up to quite an amount

maybe can also consider those that come in a set

[starfish123]

like what brand?

[finind]

you can check sponsors like Madpetz or AM

http://www.madpetz.com.sg/index.php

I usually buy at AM .. they have API and Salifert

just go to their website and surf for test kits... have a feel of what's in the market ba

API is for basic test to me....

I use salifert if want a bit more accurate.

nowadays price for test kits drop alot ... most are ard $10+ - $20+

for a start test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, PH, phosphate, silicate, dKH & calcium ba

[Harlequinmania]

I hope i can be able to help you on your questions;

1)what type of test kits do i need for a reef tank?

- If you are keeping corals, the basic test kit you would need ; Ca, Mg , KH , PH , P04 and ammonia. If you are keeping more sensitive corals like SPS, then N03 is a must.

2)what type of test kits do i need for a fowlr tank?

- if you are setting up a Fowlr tank with mainly fishes, you should have at least PH , ammonia and KH.

3)if test kits are even needed, what brands should i use?

- More reputable test kit brand which i usually use include ; Salifest , DD H20, and Redsea. But newly brand like ELOS seem to be pretty good as well. But do note that there is a shelf life for these test kit.

[starfish123]

how long will test kits usually last and how often do i need to test for the water peremeters?

[finind]

the test kit box will tell you good for how many test

new tank, problem tank more often, few time a week? no fix rule ba.

if reading consistent then can cut down lor...

stable tank less often ...

[starfish123]

checked out some of our sponsers. it seems that the test kits stated above is about $15.XX-$30.XX for one test kit. is there other brands which is cheaper and yet as good, or if not better than them?