Best general test kit for day-day testing

[ufotofu]

Just wondering if the 'master' kits were worth buying these days. I am a former user of the aquarium systems master kit, and it didn't really cut it IMO. I ended up switching to LaMotte. That's been years ago, and now there's a ton of new brands on the market...any suggestions before I get the Red Sea master or the Salifert? THX

 

[StevenPro]

I like the Salifert kits I have.

 

[spaulr]

Salifert or Elos.

 

[fcmatt]

go digital for ph and salinity, use salifert for testing.
i use strips when i am in a true rush to look at alk, nitrate, nitrite...

if you wish, you can save money by getting red sea, but their low
level accuracy has a lot to be desired. salifert lets you test with much
more accuracy.

 

[ufotofu]

I was leaning toward Salifert...dunno much about them except their country of origin - France. Heard many good things about their kits. Seems LaMotte has dropped outta the scene for high-end testing (?).

I agree with going digital. I'm gonna invest (sooner or later) in the Premium Aquatics Lighthouse controller system with temp, pH and ORP. Also does lights. Can monitor it all via internet with included software. Sounds cool. Reviews seem overwhelmingly +.

 

[fcmatt]

lamotte is so expensive it made me gag.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_tes ... sp?CartId=

i found their selection at stores i like to be undesirable as well as the
price.

must be nice to have tho!

 

[ufotofu]

that was then, this is now...the only item I have left from my old reef system is a light timer. Gotta refuel the supplies.

LaMotte is $$$. Don't think I'd go with them nowadays. You have any experience with API or Seachem. I used to use a crap load of Seachem stuff (LFS carried their products b/c their home office was just down the road in ATL).

 

[fcmatt]

the only seachem product i use is their reef buffer.

sorry!

 

[OddFish]

Started with Seachem, now using API for everything, except Ca and Mg. Each alkalinity bottle is compared to Salifert kit, just in case.

 

[Anonymous]

I like the Salifert kits.