Test Strips

[faildeadly]

I'm currently in the process of sourcing everything I need for my first tank (which I pick up tomorrow). I notice everyone was raving about a particular test kit which involves liquid reagents (API possibly). But I was just wondering, what's wrong with the test strips you can buy? They seem to do the same job and look a lot less hassle to use?

 

[fluttermoth]

First of all, they're terribly inaccurate compared to liquid tests.

Secondly, most strips don't test for ammonia, which is the biggest killer of fish in new tanks, and something that is essential to be able to monitor.

The liquid tests may seem expensive, but you get an awful lot of tests from one kit. The test strips are a false economy, IMO, and a good, liquid (or tablet) test kit is a vital piece of kit for all fishkeepers.

Nearly all fish 'diseases' are called by poor water quality, so you really do need to be able to keep an eye on the stats.

 

[nmonks]

Fluttermoth is quite right that liquid test kits may be more accurate (or at least, are thought to be more accurate -- which isn't the same thing at all).

But there is another point of view. You may find dip strips are easier to use. You may find them cheaper if you want to do lots of tests at once (and you can slice them down the middle to make twice as many!) So if they're easier and cheaper, then you'll test your water more often!

Why does that matter? Because the best test kit is the one you use regularly. A dip strip you use every couple of weeks is immeasurably better than a theoretic liquid test kit you never get round to using!

I happen to like and use dip strips. For general fishkeeping, there's nothing wrong with them. They'll reveal non-zero ammonia and nitrite levels (and if it isn't zero, it doesn't matter much what the value is) and they'll give you a general idea of whether your water is hard, soft, or somewhere in between. If you're keeping community fish, that's all you really need to know.

Cheers, Neale

 

[4seasons]

Test strips are completely useless. I took some water into petsmart one time to have tested and they used test strips. Told me my water was fine. After checking the same water with the API master kit I found 1ppm ammonia, 0.5ppm nitrite. Now you can argue that the liquid test are harder to use and have some inaccuracy but they are sure better than thinking your water is fine from some total useless test strips.

 

[Noahs ark6]

Fluttermoth is quite right that liquid test kits may be more accurate (or at least, are thought to be more accurate -- which isn't the same thing at all).

But there is another point of view. You may find dip strips are easier to use. You may find them cheaper if you want to do lots of tests at once (and you can slice them down the middle to make twice as many!) So if they're easier and cheaper, then you'll test your water more often!

Why does that matter? Because the best test kit is the one you use regularly. A dip strip you use every couple of weeks is immeasurably better than a theoretic liquid test kit you never get round to using!

I happen to like and use dip strips. For general fishkeeping, there's nothing wrong with them. They'll reveal non-zero ammonia and nitrite levels (and if it isn't zero, it doesn't matter much what the value is) and they'll give you a general idea of whether your water is hard, soft, or somewhere in between. If you're keeping community fish, that's all you really need to know.

Cheers, Neale

I also use test strips and i completely agree. To give a general idea of water parameters, they work fine for me
But if you've got time and money, go for a liquid test kit

 

[Ruthc1985]

Totally agree with use of strips to give a general idea, I have a JBL pack which is good, but I use liquid tests for most tests