Test Kits

[briggspower]

Hey all,

I currently have the API freshwater test kit. I actually have 2 api kits. However, reading their color chart is a real pita for me. Sometimes I think I'm just leaning a certain color just because thats what my interconscience wants me to believe.
My question for everyone, is there any other tried and reputable liquid tests out there with a better color chart? Or more precise readings? I don't care if I have to buy single tests for nitrite or nitrate. As they are the ones I have the most trouble determining my results. 15 years ago I was a young/stupid teenager and went the cheap/lazy way just using test strips. Now my fish still seemed happy and did good but who knows what kind of stress I was putting on them. I also skipped out on W/C fairly often, maybe doing monthly water changes. 15 years and 3 kids later, I have dramatically changed my outlook on this hobby. I want everything to be done right. I want my fish to be healthy and under no stress. I have so much to learn, but I've been reading my butt off and figuring out whats right or wrong. Still a learning curve when you put what you read into action, as with anything else. I tried to avoid making a thread, but couldn't pinpoint an answer for my question. If I somehow missed a thread addressing this question, then I apologize.

Thank you for any suggestions

 

[dr exum]

You can look on Bulk Reef Supply, there are some electronic systems

I think the liquid api is what folks use, there are strips that seem to be less popular.

After your cycled all you should have are nitrates and a ph if your adding / moving fish... nitrates are usually red or orange...

 

[esoxlucius]

The API liquid test kit is the one that the majority of us have. It's reliable and easy to use but the big flaw is the colour chart, mainly the nitrate. The orange of 10ppm and 20ppm is basically the same shade of orange and the red of 40 ppm and 80ppm is the same shade of red!

I give up trying to tell the difference a long time ago. What I do now to be sure that my nitrates aren't getting away from me is that anything orange is good, anything red is not.

 

[duanes]

When I worked as a chemist in the U.S. I did a lot of comparison shopping, where I would try certain test strips, to compare with liquid reagent test, and even with the very accurate photo spectrometer I used at work.
I have found many test strips are close enough in accuracy to be of useful aquarium testing.

The test strip above used for swimming pools, has often come very ball park close to my API kit, and is very convenient, and measures a number of parameters all at once.
With either, expiration dates are important, and with the API proper rinsing with DI water in between samples, and proper timing in allowing the reagents to react are equally important(on both).

 

[DN328]

Hey all,

I currently have the API freshwater test kit. I actually have 2 api kits. However, reading their color chart is a real pita for me. Sometimes I think I'm just leaning a certain color just because thats what my interconscience wants me to believe.
My question for everyone, is there any other tried and reputable liquid tests out there with a better color chart? Or more precise readings? I don't care if I have to buy single tests for nitrite or nitrate. As they are the ones I have the most trouble determining my results. 15 years ago I was a young/stupid teenager and went the cheap/lazy way just using test strips. Now my fish still seemed happy and did good but who knows what kind of stress I was putting on them. I also skipped out on W/C fairly often, maybe doing monthly water changes. 15 years and 3 kids later, I have dramatically changed my outlook on this hobby. I want everything to be done right. I want my fish to be healthy and under no stress. I have so much to learn, but I've been reading my butt off and figuring out whats right or wrong. Still a learning curve when you put what you read into action, as with anything else. I tried to avoid making a thread, but couldn't pinpoint an answer for my question. If I somehow missed a thread addressing this question, then I apologize.

Thank you for any suggestions

It also depends what you're testing for. To be honest once a tank is fully cycled I will only test for nitrates now and then.

I did recently test PH just to see how things are looking. The reality is I'm not going to chase numbers unless something is really whacked.

 

[briggspower]

When I worked as a chemist in the U.S. I did a lot of comparison shopping, where I would try certain test strips, to compare with liquid reagent test, and even with the very accurate photo spectrometer I used at work.
I have found many test strips are close enough in accuracy to be of useful aquarium testing.

The test strip above used for swimming pools, has often come very ball park close to my API kit, and is very convenient, and measures a number of parameters all at once.
With either, expiration dates are important, and with the API proper rinsing with DI water in between samples, and proper timing in allowing the reagents to react are equally important(on both).
View attachment 1417964

Thanks for the replies everyone. Much appreciated. I plan on just checking nitrates and ph as soon as I'm 100% sure I'm cycled proper as many suggested.

Could you point me in the right direction for those test straps? Would love to have a reliable strip. Would be amazing. Thanks

 

[duanes]

The strips I posted a photo of, were from a local home improvement stores swimming pool section, here in Panama.
I have seen the same versions in the U.S. in places like Home Depot, or any pool supply store