Water Testing - Well This Is New

[Freedom]

Been keeping fish since 1995, just easy simple basic tank.  My API Master Test kit was from back then so I have bought a new one.  ( Kept the tank up until about 2009, then things sort of slid)
 
The new test kit has NO bottles for Gh and Kh parameters?  I have city water, the parameters never changed, but since I had them in the kit I always checked it.
 
And there is a new bottle for nitrates; only ever tested nitrates before.
 
I have long fin danios, red eye tetras and otos.  Do I need to get the Gh and Kh test bottles???
 
And, in searching for those 2 test kits I came across this ammonia alert  -- any good?
http/www.amazon.com/dp/B000255R5G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1E0LOLXO0AN64&coliid=IYZ1D687HR27P

 

[tunagirll]

The new master kit does not come with hardness testers, you'll have to buy these separately if you want to check them.

 

[Freedom]

Right.  My question is, do I NEED to buy those test bottles?

 

[fluttermoth]

You don't need test kits for hardness, IMO.

It doesn't vary that much, so once you know how hard or soft your supply is, there's no need for testing on a regular basis.

 

[Freedom]

Great!  Thank you.

 

[daizeUK]

If you are using tap water then your local water supplier should be able to tell you the hardness of your water.