Test Kit

[Meggie :)]

So I've been running a 10 gallon tank for over 3 and a half years now; I have been very successful with it. I am going to be getting a 75 gallon aquarium very soon, maybe a 30 gallon, too. I think I am way overdue in getting my own test kit...i've been getting it tested at my LFS for way too long now. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what test kit I should get? I already know that it's a mistake in getting the test strips, but I am new to this so I have no idea what to get Any suggestions/advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[daleboy]

I always use the API Freshwater Master test kit.
It has always proved to be spot on with the results.

http/www.netpetshop.co.uk/p-26437-api-freshwater-master-test-kit-aquarium-test-kit.aspx?CAWELAID=437275411

 

[Meggie :)]

Thank you so much do you have to buy it online?

 

[daleboy]

No problem.
I got mine from my LFS.
Link above though in case you need it.

 

[StandbySetting]

If you're in the UK go for Saliferts, they're more accurate and precise than the API and cost roughly the same, you'll have to buy the Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and pH kits separately as they don't do an all in one.

 

[Meggie :)]

im in the US can the API be found in the US, or do you know of something more accurate?

 

[StandbySetting]

Both Salifert and API can be found in the US, but I'm told that in the US salifert's are a little more expensive, I'd still recommend them however, the accuracy and precision is great compared to the API kit.

 

[KISSfn]

I live in the US. I tested 2 API kits from 2 different sources, both had alleged valid lot numbers. The API ammonia test from both kits was so inaccurate I buy the Salifert ammonia test online for $17 + shipping. An entire API kit costs $19 + shipping. It's worth it to me since ammonia kills and comparing the two is like comparing a Ferrari vs. a car made in China IMHO. Petco and Petsmart sell API. Nobody in the Dallas area sells Salifert so I buy online.

 

[mark2109111]

+1 for API freshwater master test kit love it !!!

 

[dalethewhale]

This may sound stupid, but how do you know whether its accurate or not? Surely you have nothing to compare it to...

 

[StandbySetting]

I tested the API and Salifert kits against reference solutions at college, I tested for precision also, I did 5 tests with each kit (3 API and 3 Salifert all from different batches) so in total I had 90 results.

 

[This Old Spouse]

You generally find out how accurate it is when you do a couple of tests one right after the other and get completely different results.

We were using API and just switched to the Nutrafin Test kit. Much more reliable and costs about the same as API.

 

[StandbySetting]

You generally find out how accurate it is when you do a couple of tests one right after the other and get completely different results.

Doing duplicate tests would only show how precise the test kit is, not how accurate it is.

 

[This Old Spouse]

You generally find out how accurate it is when you do a couple of tests one right after the other and get completely different results.

Doing duplicate tests would only show how precise the test kit is, not how accurate it is.

Sorry, I misspoke. You're right.

 

[This Younger Spouse]

I'll add that, after using the API master kit for some time, I find the Nutrafin (Hagen) kit easier to read and match to the color scale. Our LFS stocks both.