Water Testing Methods????

[gpguerrette]

Any suggestions on water test kits / effective methods of test??? Tank is going to be a reef tank once cycling is done.... not sure if the test strips are ok or if the drip kits are a better bet, or if therer is any other methods out there???
Also wondering which is less expensive in the long run and if there is a kit out there that is far superior and tests for everything i would need, like an all in one type deal???
Thanks for the help,
Graig
PS
Any links out there on a list of what exaclty needs to be monitored for a reef tank, just too be sure i am not neglecting anything!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Morticus]

I've heard that the strips aren't as reliable as the drip kits.

 

[seaham358]

Salifert kits are good...
you should have nitrate, calcium, alkalinity to start with. Phospahte is another good one and salicate. this is all I have ever tested for (except new tank for amm and nitrite)

 

[malkore]

bare minimum is a SeaChem brand Marine Basic kit. ($25) It has 2 ammonia tests, nitrate, nitrite, pH, and alkalinity. They make a good phosphate kit too, but it's separate($10). Since you said 'reef', you'll also need a calcium test kit, like SeaChem's Reef Status - Calcium kit ($25). Its a little fancier, very accurate...more akin to the Salifert line in quality and price.

Salifert is a great brand too. A little pricey ($20 per test kit) but the quality is top notch. I use their Magnesium test kit ($20)...the instructions are a little weird, obviously a poor translation, but its usable.