Test Kits

[bernoulli]

I am kind of new to the hobby, so I wanted to get some thoughts from the more experienced folks.

What test kits does everyone use or recommend to check the basics, such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. Also were can the recommended test kits be purchased? I have been using the dip in test strips, but was hoping to use something better.

 

[jcardona1]

API is the most popular brand used around here. they can be purchased pretty much anywhere online but if you need one in a hurry any local petsmart/petco/fish store should have them

 

[mes1234]

I bought a ALL in one test kit. It was like $25 and it has about 10 different dripping tests with test tubes. I got it at petsmart and it seems VERY accurate. I would try that.

 

[mdb_talon]

Personally I think the strips that you dip in the water are almost useless. plus the slightest bit of humidy gets in the bottle and they officially become useless. I have found the API bottle kits to be pretty good.

 

[erk419]

I'm with the others, API master test kit is good and is what a lot of us use. It tests for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and ph. Make sure to get the liquid test kit though the one with the test tubes the strips are really inacruate. On average at the petstores there around 30 bucks but you can find them a lot cheaper on ebay. They have a shelf life of 5 years so it will last you quit awhile.