Best - most accurate - test kits

Hi. I test for ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, kh, gh, ph, iron. Have a planted tank. I was using API and then was running low so I got a new test kit (Nutrafin master kit (but it looks like they use fluval test charts). After testing with the new kit, I saw that the phosphate was much higher than the api test kit said it was - which would explain my black algae issue. anyway, I am not all that crazy about this nutrafin master kit and I'm wondering what everybody's opinion is as to which test kits are the most accurate. And input on which are easy to use. Thanks for your input.

 

API is the most popular here, don't know if they are ACTUALLY the most accurate though. Surely one of the older timers actually might know!!!

 

All test kits have a margin of error amount that ranges for kit to kit.
I guess this also depends on your kh from what others have said , this is regurgitated info by the way , but if you have a low kh it affects your pH test. I’d assume MAYBE Visa versa but I’m unsure . You can add salt to the water to re calibrate the test to a certain degree but again you’re still within variables.

API and NT labs seem to be the most popular where I am from. But NT labs tests for more ( kh and gh ) in a kit and is cheaper, whereas API charge an extra £15 ish for the kh / gh separately.

If you’re just looking for a base line reading either is fine , as are strips which also have the added benefit of being just super fast and easy.

If you’re looking for spot on results you’d be paying for lab type equipment imo.

 

My tank is cycled so I don’t need to test for ammonia and nitrites. I test the GH & KH very occasionally and API is fine for that. I like Salifert for nitrates and my phosphate kit is from Fluval.

 

They are handy when monitoring new tanks though .. which we all seem to have an abundance of

 

I believe Hach makes the most accurate test kits I've used.

That being said, I don't think that level of accuracy is needed most of the time. I usually use the API test strips, because they are super-fast and easy.