Gear
Test kits and photometers: what reef keepers commonly use
Titration kits and pocket photometers for the numbers that matter. Below are 3 items we see often, each with our honest note and where to view it in the UK and the US.
We sell nothing and earn nothing from these links. Prices are as each retailer's page showed them on the date checked, and they change. How this guide works
Listings checked . How we check
What should you look for in test kits and photometers?
- Alkalinity first, then calcium and magnesium, then nitrate and phosphate.
- Titration kits are cheap and dependable. Photometers read low phosphate more finely, but every test uses a reagent sachet.
- Test at the same time of day and write the results down; the trend matters more than one reading.
Commonly used test kits and photometers
Specs are as published on the listed pages. Where the US and UK pages give different figures, we show both.
Salifert KH/Alkalinity test
Brand: Salifert
Our note. A cheap, easy titration kit for the parameter most reef keepers test most often. Reading the colour change takes a little practice.
Key specs
- About 100 to 200 tests
- Steps of 0.1 meq/l (Kraken)
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Salifert KH/Alkalinity test in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £9.95
- Checked
US listing
Bulk Reef Supply (US): opens the retailer's page for Salifert KH/Alkalinity test in the United States- Price as shown
- US$18.79
- Checked
Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro test kit
Brand: Red Sea
Our note. One box covering calcium, alkalinity and magnesium by titration, a good first set once corals go in. Refills are not cheap, and the published accuracy differs between US and UK pages.
Key specs
- 75 tests each of Ca, KH and Mg
- Accuracy Ca 2.5 ppm, KH 0.025, Mg 10 ppm (BRS); Ca 5 ppm, KH 0.05 meq/l, Mg 20 ppm (Kraken)
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro test kit in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £57.99
- Checked
US listing
Bulk Reef Supply (US): opens the retailer's page for Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro test kit in the United States- Price as shown
- US$79.99
- Checked
Hanna HI774 Phosphate ULR Checker
Brand: Hanna Instruments
Our note. A pocket photometer that reads low phosphate levels a colour chart cannot. Reagent packets are an ongoing cost, and careful sample handling matters.
Key specs
- 0.00 to 0.90 ppm
- Resolution 0.01 ppm
- Reagents for 10 tests included (BRS)
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Hanna HI774 Phosphate ULR Checker in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £79.99
- Checked
US listing
Bulk Reef Supply (US): opens the retailer's page for Hanna HI774 Phosphate ULR Checker in the United States- Price as shown
- US$74.99
- Checked