Test kits, cheap ones vs. expensive ones

[tim000]

The guy at my LFS said that i need to buy this $40 kit (has the 5 tests in it) but there is one at wal-mart that is $20. is there really a big difference between the 2 I mean the one that is $40 comes with a nice carrying case and looks better but really is there a difference?
THANKS,
TIM

 

[smokin reefer]

Hello tim, Well I hate to be tho one to tell you this, but the one that cost 40.00 for five test kits sounds to cheap to me even. Tell us the brand names of both of the test kits and we will be able to help you more. I can tell you now though that the most reliable and inexpensive test kits on the market are the salifert kits. I think just about any one on this board will tell you the same. Go here to find them. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Salifert

 

[pupeluv]

You might want to check the kit at Walmart and make sure it's compatible with saltwater. None of the Walmarts here in Phoenix carry saltwater stuff, just freshwater. That may be your price difference.

 

[AlexS!]

It will depend on the company, but usually the more expensive ones are a bit more accurate. I got the HAGEN master lab (10 tests in one case) for i think $60 and it works great, dont get aquarium pharm. products, cause even their "saltwater" tests are for freshwater!
hth!

 

[tim000]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kelly:
<STRONG>You might want to check the kit at Walmart and make sure it's compatible with saltwater. None of the Walmarts here in Phoenix carry saltwater stuff, just freshwater. That may be your price difference.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Kelly,
Yes it says on the box "for saltwater," I guess I will wait and buy a good one.

 

[Anonymous]

It depends on what you are testing for. I don't see a reason to have a super accurate test kit for ammonia or nitrite. You just need to be able to detect its presence. For things like pH, alkalinity, or calcium you probably want to invest in a good one.

Glenn