Test Kits

[Rorie]

Currently i have an API kit which tests PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. I am away to move into planted aquariums, and i read about people testing for KH and such. So i was wondering if i should invest in a more advanced kit which allows me to test more things?

Thanks

 

[Squidward]

JBL do both GH and KH tests.
Not sure if there are similar in the API range.

 

[Rorie]

JBL do both GH and KH tests.
Not sure if there are similar in the API range.

Yeh, i saw them for around £55. Do i need them though? Or are they OTT?

 

[twodoctors]

Can't answer the question directly but I think I can draw some parallel from my day job. If you are testing something, you are doing it for a reason. You may want to know what the value of KH and GH is, so you can find compatible plants/fishes for you tank. But if you can't change it or are not going to change it, then don't test it, as it's just a waste of time/exercise/money.

FYI I bought myself a GH test kit when I first started a few weeks ago. Only used it a few times. Can't do anything about it (well, I can but...) so why bother checking?

Adrian

 

[elisew]

As above really, if you don`t really need to know the GH&KH then don`t waste your money

I have Tanganyikans who need to have hard water, I bought this API test kit off fleabay for £6.65, free P&P and it was the cheapest I could find. Bought lots of stuff off of the seller and never had any problems at all:
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/API-Freshwater-GH-KH-Test-Kit-/260550776897?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3caa095841#ht_1748wt_1141

 

[Rorie]

Well as with my other post about having metal in my tank, I need to buy an iron test kit. It cost £10, where as the full nutrafin kit cost £50, hence much better value.
But as I don't need the rest, I just spent the 10 quid.
Thanks