Water testing

[steviev123]

Hey just wanted to ask what test kits are the best and most accurate because I see people testing hardness, alkalinity, etc. but the test kit I use (API master kit ) doesn't offer those specifics. Just wanted some of ur insights on best test kits that contain the most readings and also are accurate.


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[Daonni]

I use api, but the only things I worry about are the big 3, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and for that it works well.

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[duanes]

Testing for other parameters than the big 3, can be a good thing, but only if you have an understanding of the meaning of the numbers.
Alkalinity will tell you how much buffering capacity your water has, and can be an indicator of how often, and the volume of water changes are needed. The ability of water/filtration to buffer fish urine is determinable by alkalinty. If your alkalinity is 100ppm right after a water change, but drops to 10 the next day, you may want to up the water change volume, clean mechanical media more often, or lower fish load.
This is because fish urine has used up a large percentage of the acid buffering capacity over night.
Water hardness is usually determined by your source water, and not something you have a lot of control over.

 

[steviev123]

Testing for other parameters than the big 3, can be a good thing, but only if you have an understanding of the meaning of the numbers.
Alkalinity will tell you how much buffering capacity your water has, and can be an indicator of how often, and the volume of water changes are needed. The ability of water/filtration to buffer fish urine is determinable by alkalinty. If your alkalinity is 100ppm right after a water change, but drops to 10 the next day, you may want to up the water change volume, clean mechanical media more often, or lower fish load.
This is because fish urine has used up a large percentage of the acid buffering capacity over night.
Water hardness is usually determined by your source water, and not something you have a lot of control over.

How would u test for those or with what kit?


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[pops]

API Master fresh water test kit here.