Api Master Test Kit

[Danbarb]

I just wanted to say thank-you to everyone that recommended the API master test kit, as I was using silly test strips (that are OK as indicators but not that accurate or specific). I will keep the test strips and use them in conjunction with the API test kit, until they're gone - I am also going to do some tests and compare what the API master test kit states VS the tetra 6 in 1 test strips (which don't include ammonia tests). I'll let you know how that goes!

I just tested my water parameters, and Ammonia was definitely at 0 ppm, and Nitrate was at 40-80ppm (added new fish about 8 hours ago). I've done a 20% water change and will retest in the morning.

The test was really easy to do, and I halved everything (in the hope it will last longer!).

Thanks for the recommendation everyone, glad I went back to the API test kit afterall!

I'll try the PH one tomorrow

 

[Geoff-]

yep, master kit = the bomb. test strips = totally useless!

 

[moochy13]

i did a comparison test with the kit and api strips, and found the strips to be pretty good. obviously not quite as easy to read, but in all honesty, now my tank is set up, if i ran out of master kit i wouldnt buy another one, id use the strips. cant remember if the api strip had ammonia levels on it, if not id just get the specific ammonia kit.

i wonder how many people who blurt out 'yeah the strips are crap' are simply regurgitating what theyve read on here without actually trying it ?

 

[Danbarb]

This is why I am interested in testing this today, as the test strips so far haven't killed any fish (by giving false readings as it were) and have given me a reasonable indication as to what is going on in the tank. (bar the ammonia test).

I'll post results in a few hours, after I've done these tests comparing the two and how close they are.

I'm not sure if it's just because the liquid kit takes more time, and measures each individual item. Psychologically better perhaps? Anyway, as with fish - it's better to do your own research.

 

[moochy13]

using the master kit, you can be almost sure youre reading exactly what is going onin your tank. even so i think one of the tests, nitrates i think (with the red colour chart) is needlessly difficult to read, and by far the worst indicator colour in the kit. so yea, for 'piece of mind' and almost total accuracy, the master kit is best. however i was surprised how accurate the strips were after being told on here they were worthless, and now ive got a set-up, stable tank that doesnt have water problems, i rarely test my water. so not much point me having a test kit i spent 20 quid on with 800 tests in it. and when i do test, its always fine.

maybe if i had multiple tanks the master kit would make far more sense, or if i had a tendancy to restock my tank often, but i hant and i dont.