Test Kits

[~nessy~]

hi ok ive been hearing about test kits and how u kinda (need) then for when something goes wrong the only thing is i wouldnt know where to start or which ones to get/ why would anyone be able to help me on this ive probably put this in the wrong section sorry

thanks for reading

vanessa

 

[Bloo]

Well if you are starting a brand new tank, nitrite and ammonia are your most important tests to have. PH & Nitrate is pretty good to have too, but if money is tight, the first two are the most important. As it’s when those two readings reach “0” that your tank is ready for fish. My recommendation is Aquarium Pharmaceuticals for value for money and a great product

Edit: you actually don’t need them when something goes wrong. They are actually there to hopefully prevent something from going wrong. It is very useful (and actually quite important) to do those tests on a regular basis on a new tank. With a more established tank, I’d say it’s a good idea to test every couple of weeks – or after adding some new fish, a new filter or any “major” changes.

 

[BOD]

I rate Hagen test kits.

 

[~nessy~]

its rather confuzing it has things with PH and AH what do they mean ??

 

[Undawada]

Test Kits

Some basic info I wrote up before for someone else. I'm too lazy to retype it all.
Maybe should be pinned?
HTH

 

[Bloo]

Are you talking about the API range ? I can't see PH & AH

 

[~nessy~]

HTH

thanks for the info i know what im on about now

 

[Undawada]

I've never heard of AH before. Maybe was a typo?

The post I linked should help, I wrote it to be an introduction to water chemistry, so it's short and sweet in simple terms.

 

[Bloo]

As for the GH, KH & PH - I've found this article very useful to help and understand basic water chemistry (for GH, KH & PH obviously).