Test Strips

[DaveA76]

been looking on the internet for some form of testing, and came across the api 5 in 1 test strips are they any good they test for Measures pH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Carbonate & General Hardness. Just dop & Read, do i need anything else to test for heard i need to test for amonia as im just starting up a new tank and have necer done at est before even though ive had fish for 5 years and done regular water changes

 

[Piltdownpaul]

You should test for ammonia when setting up but avoid using test strips-they are notorious for giving poor results. Use liquid based kits only.

 

[K-Holed]

If you want a rough ball park figure for your pH, the strips would sufice. They're pretty much useless for nitrate and nitrite, the best they'll tll you is "yes you have it"

 

[dthoffsett]

They're pretty much useless for nitrate and nitrite, the best they'll tll you is "yes you have it"

Well put.

And to jump on the band-wagon, strip tests are pretty much useless. Besides, the liquid tests are cheaper in the long run, you can do far more tests with them.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup look for the api fresh water master test kit, it's readily available on-line and usually retails between £15 and £20

you'll need tests for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate

if you've not tested before and aren't clear on what these are or what the levels should be have a read of the link in ym sig 'whats cycling' and also the 'fishless cycling' link which should explain more