How reliable are test strips?

[Guppylover3x]

I’m curious to see how many people use test strips or think that there fine to use. I’ve been noticing a PH drop recently in my tank and it sits at 6.8 sometimes. I use minerals in my tank at the moment to increase the GH/KH due to living in a soft water area. However, after seeking further advice I’ve now been told what I already use should increase the PH too naturally. I’ve purchased aquarium shells to increase it but now I’m reluctant to add them in. It’s either that I’m not adding enough in, or that the test strips aren’t accurate. I use the tetra 6 in 1 and I’ve never usually had a problem with them. Has anyone got any further experience? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[AlexHarpx]

I recently bought an expensive full liquid test kit from JBL as I doubted the results on my JBL test strips and I got the exact same values! I wasted a lot money in my search for the truth. I am now convinced that test strips are accurate given that they are stored properly. Liquid tests also take like 30 minutes to run through, test strips are convenient.

Onto the second issue why do you want to adjust your PH? 6.8 should be fine for most fish? Fish like consistent PH levels it doesn't have to be perfect it only needs to be consistent.

 

[Tooombsy]

I’m gonna go with the opposite to Alex. I had test strips with my first tank and the results seemed to differ all the time. I even tested the water with 2 different strips at the same time and there were slight differences.

The liquid tests are much more accurate and last a long time so don’t really cost too much.

I have the API master test kit and the results are always consistent. If there are any differences in my test readings I know for sure that there is something that has changed with my water chemistry.

 

[AbbeysDad]

I sometimes think that 'playing' with additives for gH/kH and pH are just like the dog chasing his tail. Since most tropical fish due well with a neutral pH, as mentioned, 6.8 isn't all that bad.
The test strips aren't quite as accurate as the liquid tests, but close enough for most things. You might add some crushed coral to keep the hardness up, but I wouldn't try to chase the ph...stability and clean water is better than a pH roller coaster. I test my filtered water for nitrates only to know when to recharge the filter media. Other than that. I won't test the tanks unless I suspect some problem (which I haven't for years!).

 

[Guppylover3x]

Thanks for the input guys. I was a bit wary because I’ve heard guppies should be kept at a PH of around 7. I may just leave things as they are and hope for the best. Pleased to know strip results can be just as accurate as liquid. Thanks for the help.