What Sort Of Water Testing Kit Do I Need?

[ellejay]

Hi guys, new here but from everything I've read everyone on this forum is so helpful and I've learnt loads from reading about other people's fish problems! My current question is this: I have a 94L/25 gallon tropical tank, what sort of water testing kit do i need and how often should I be using it? At the moment I'm changing about 1/4 of the water every two weeks, is this enough? Thank you!

 

[StandbySetting]

Are you in the UK? Go for Saliferts if so, many recommend the API kit, the Salifert kits are similarly priced, but are more accurate and consistent and are worth the extra pound or two, the general recommendation is to test weekly on a cycled tank.

If you're in the US then go for the API kit as the Saliferts are quite expensive over there.

 

[ellejay]

Thanks, I'm in the UK. Have had a quick look on eBay and there is a very wide range of Saliferts stuff! What exactly do I need?

 

[StandbySetting]

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and PH, the PH kit can come from any manufacturer however, they're all the same reagent.

 

[electropunk06]

Hi i would go with api masters test kit it very simple and accurate enough to give reliable readings.

1/4 water change should be fine but depends on your stocking?

 

[Miles_hot]

This could be a really dumb question - how long have you had the tank and do you think it is cycled? If you're worried that it might not be cycled I suspect that your water change routine will need to increase to daily

Miles

 

[ellejay]

This could be a really dumb question - how long have you had the tank and do you think it is cycled? If you're worried that it might not be cycled I suspect that your water change routine will need to increase to daily

Miles

I honestly don't know, I got the tank from a work colleague complete with fish and half the water they were already in. Dumb question back - can you give me a layman's definition of cycling (honestly it took me ages to click what lfs meant)? It has 3 stage filtration with sponge, biomedia, carbon etc.

 

[Tizer]

API freshwater master kit is all you need, check ebay, £19 delivered ish.

 

[ellejay]

Went for API master on eBay, cheapest option, just over 20 quid for 800ish tests

 

[hanny93]

I've just bought a group of Salifert test kits, although I missed out the ammonia one so ive now ordered that one.
The pH one be careful with, I ordered a generic one and I got the marine colour chart, meaning im going to have to find a new one!

However, after reading a load of reviews etc id recommend salifert over everything.

 

[hoyfoys]

I am using the API but have just received the Salifert kit to try.

I find that the API test tubes leak when you shake them, though I've now bought replacements from eBay.

 

[KISSfn]

Salifert

API