Test Kits

[scoobyandy]

Could anyone recommend the test kits I should buy to check my water. I have a ph kit but when I went to buy some fish, they tested my water for me but he used about 3 different tests, and it wasnt right so need to go back next week. So to save me wasting journey time and also so I can test my water in the future can someone recommend any tests I should be buying, and maybe somewhere to buy them from. Many thanx

 

[kat and james]

you'll definatly need to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, but you can also test gh and kh, which then allows you to check your co2 levels. we use the tetra test stuff, or dr. wellfish, which i think is rena stuff. you can buy it in most pet stores, but the best place is ebay, as you often get it cheaper!

 

[Bloo]

Could anyone recommend the test kits I should buy to check my water. I have a ph kit but when I went to buy some fish, they tested my water for me but he used about 3 different tests, and it wasnt right so need to go back next week. So to save me wasting journey time and also so I can test my water in the future can someone recommend any tests I should be buying, and maybe somewhere to buy them from. Many thanx

I have found API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) by far the best value for money and good quality easy to use kits. I've also used Tetra Salifert and Hagen and don't think they are worth it (my opinion of course). You can buy individual tests or a master kit - Aquatics Online sells them too but you should be able to get them at your lfs too

 

[Weaver]

I agree with bloozoo..API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT provides ph/ammonia/nitrite and nitrate liquid tests and although it retails for about £25 in the shops I got my last one on e bay for about £16.Well worth the investment

 

[rdd1952]

Another vote for API here.

 

[Fella]

I also use the API tests.

 

[Aqua Andy]

I use that test kit as well although I struggle with the identification of my nirtAte tests results as I find that the colour change scale isn't varied enough yellow - orange - red - deeper red - even deeper red and so on.

I bought mine from Pets at Home. Don't worry I have no intension of purchasing livestock from them!

I've found their prices the cheapest of any of my LFS (probably because they are a national group).

I purchased mine for £16.00 which I think is great value.

 

[scoobyandy]

Thanx for that. I have just purchased the API one from ebay for £15

One think I wanted to ask was... if the tests are wrong how do I get the water levels back to how they should be, do I just need to do water changes or is there something else I can do?

 

[@ombomb]

Depends on what the results are / what your tap water is like.

Basic rule of thumb for Amonia / Nitrite = small water changes daily till they are stable at 0
Nitrates should be dealt with by a weekly water change depending on the size of your tank / stocking levels
pH... leave it alone if the fish are acclimitised to it don't try and change it other than by doing it very slowing and by natural means (i.e. adding bogwood to lower the pH NOT chemicals)