Test kits and diagnositc equipment supplies

[georgeortiz]

What brand and type of test kits should I get for my reef tank?
This may be a general question but, outside of the ammonia, nitrate,nitrite kits what other kits do I need and who makes a decent kit?

Also besides a ph meter, hydrometer and thermomter is there any other diagnostic equipment I will need for reef upkeep?

Thanks!

[alexwolf]

Salifert Test Kits. Get a Calcium, Alkalinity, and maybe someone else will jump in here with others.

[Instar]

Alex is right. Maybe a magnesium test kit if you have sps and are trying to keep Ca and Alk up and are not doing so well with that. Magnesium plays a significant role in the stability of calcium and alk.

[TAXMAN]

Salifert. And Instar is right. Magnesium will help your Alk and Ca. Might get a Nitrite or Nitrate kit if you want. I dont have those yet. Just the 1st 3.

[manny]

Salifert's the way to go. Don't mess with those other kits. You might also wanna get a ph test kit in the mean time before you spend a lot of money on a ph meter. As for everything else you'd need testkkitwise I think these guys have pretty much covered what you'd need.

[manny]

Oh yeah, and instead of a hydrometer you might wanna look at gettin one of the less expensive refractomers. Alot more accurate

[georgeortiz]

Thanks,
I plan on starting out with softies since I am a beginner. I have my lighting schema setup so I can go with sps if I want but, for now I want to start out with specimens which are hardier. I was planning on getting a ph monitor but, if you think the ph test kit is the less inexpensive way to go I am all for that. What brand of refractometer should I get? All the ones I have seen run about 60 bucks.

Also just to get it straight. I should get the: Salifert nitrite,ammonia,nitrate,magnesium (optional),calcium(optional) test kits. I say optional because they are not necessary until I go SPS. Is this correct?

[wkopplin]

I have a pH monitor and it is great. Much easier to read than the test kits.

[matt]

You can get a small ph probe that you use when you want, not a continuous monitor. It's much cheaper, and as long as you calibrate, just as accurate. I bought mine from some online pet place for about $20.

[JeffCo]

For a great refractometer, go to:
http://www.diyreef.com/shop/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=c5987687405c09406fc0b71c 8c41be7f

They are really good quality and only $43 bucks. Justin is great to deal with.