Liquid Or Strips

[Athena]

I`m not sure but I have on quite a few occasions doubted peoples test result when they`ve posted them and I wonder if they`ve googled or just picked the figures out of thin air....... maybe I`m just a cynical old boot though

I have to admit that in one of my first posts on here I completely lied about my ammonia reading. Didn't know what it was (didn't have a liquid test kit at first) and made the number up so not to look stupid. This forum can seem quite daunting when you have no idea what you're doing!

Also - why are we discussing liquid vs strips? There isn't even an argument on this one!

LOL - thanks for owning up to us all, Zoddy

I can often tell when someone is making up their stats but tend not to say anything as I don't want to cause any embarrassment to anyone, especially newbies. But sometimes it's just a bit too obvious and I have to laugh and leave them to it. I don't think they realise how difficult it is for us to help them when they are making stuff up. I've sat here before mumbling things like "There's no way your ammonia is reading zero!"

It's a shame that they feel they have to lie (as in Zoddy's case, it is usually done to avoid looking stupid). Maybe because some members can be overly judgmental about stuff like that?

Anyway, sorry for going slightly off-topic a bit. But anyway, that's probably why some people don't give water stats when they are asking for help, Biffster. They often don't know what that means.

 

[gbailey141]

Started off with a liquid test kit but now use a photometer which is extremely accurate, just very expensive! Never used strips myself tho.

 

[ZoddyZod]

LOL - thanks for owning up to us all, Zoddy

But anyway, that's probably why some people don't give water stats when they are asking for help, Biffster. They often don't know what that means.

yep, probably blown any chance I had of becoming a respected member on this forum!

Your last sentance is spot on. There are a lot of replies to newbies that just ask for "stats", and even when that is detailed as pH, ammonia, etc that can be enough to make them run for the hills! Not the responders fault, but could simply be that the OP has just realised there's a bit more to this fish-keeping lark than they first thought.

 

[Athena]

Actually, Zoddy, I think we should respect you more for owning up about it. Maybe it'll help us "oldies" to the forum realise that new members can be put off by all the harsh demands for stats, stats, stats!

 

[RustedKnight]

Actually, Zoddy, I think we should respect you more for owning up about it. Maybe it'll help us "oldies" to the forum realise that new members can be put off by all the harsh demands for stats, stats, stats!

Tis true, you guys are scary for newbies!!

I had nothing to lie about, but if I hadn't had test strips already I would've been bricking it... A little toning down in the pressure section would be good for all, more of a ;

"have you got a testing kit, they really help you know whats wrong with your tank, you can purchase X from X, or if you cannot afford that then X will do. If you have a testing kit could you tell me your parameters please?"

instead of the more common "TEST RESULTS NOOOOOOW" <<slight overexageration<< which I recieved and see others recieving daily.

I know it's tough for the more seniour members to hear about people possibly mutilating their fish, but nice calm advice is the way forward

 

[Athena]

Hmmm... well this has turned into a worthwhile thread then, I think. We can all learn something from it, I guess.

Gosh, hope I haven't come across as scary to anyone! I do try to make a conscious effort to explain things as much as possible to newbies when I'm giving advice (which is why most of my posts are bit long-winded )

Rusty, had to laugh because I have actually seen some members using the "DO IT NOW" approach and it's even more offputting when they capitalise it, like they are shouting at the OP, poor luvs.

Athena

 

[BLACK DOG]

I have been using Interpet EASY TEST kit that came with my tank, thought that I would try King British test strips, not much to choose between them until I noticed that one of the ammonia strips was yellow when I took it out of the tube, tipped the rest out and they were all the same.
She who has to be obeyed suggested that they had got damp, but the pack had been kept warm and dry, she picked up the package and noticed that there was a best before date on the bottom of the pack, printed in black on dark blue!!!!! the pack was out of date by two months.

didn't think things like this had a best before date, so beware

In its` natural state ammonia is a gas so unless you keep the strips airtight then theoretically they can get contaminated

They were "Air tight" they were in the capped tube supplied by the manufacturer, if this isn't air tight what's the point>