HOW RELIABLE ARE DIY WATER TESTING KITS

[ladym66]

How reliable are water testing kits you get from ur lfs!

I got a tetra test 5 in one testing kits and just wanted to know how reliable are they
also i am a newbie what should my readings be

 

[nc_nutcase]

the 'drop' tests are quite accurate, the 'strip' tests are moderately accurate. If you are strongly concerned I would suggest using the drip tests to establish your parameters then using the strips to monitor them for consistency. This is because the strips are consistent, but not always exact... and they are cheaper...

 

[LoachLover]

the drop tests I use and they work fine for me.

 

[Blue Lobster]

Those dip it and read it after 30 seconds strips are often inaccurate. Best tests to get are the ones with the bottles of stuff you add to a water sample. They are cheaper to use than those sticks too, well in the long run anyway.