Thanks for all your replies im getting one at the weekend from a different store.I have one, I use it about every couple of weeks. It does give early warning that something is slipping/ something is wrong; if your nitrate is creeping uipward slowly but surely, then testing is the best /only way to see it before it causes your fish any problems. IMO, loads better for the fish, and also cheaper to test the water more often and up water changes if required than to shell out on meds.