Whats The Best Way To Check Water

[freya]

Hi there
I have often used the liquid kits, but have came accross test strips, are these any good?
What is the best kit to go for, I have always used a tetra one, but is a little complicated and I would prefer to get something a little simpler.
Your thoughts would be appreciated. (edit) Plus with my kids about maybe somthing a little less toxic if possible, not that I would eever let the kids get it, I just try and keep chemicals to a bre minimum in the house.
cheers
Frey

 

[jayjay]

IME, the liquid drop tests are the most accurate so i'd stick with them.

 

[ncjharris]

Your stance towards chemicals is understandable - there is quite a lot of nasty stuff in the test kits, corrosive chemicals, irritants and the like.

However, the test strips are quite unreliable, they also lose their effectivness overtime when exposed to air

Could you use a lockable cabinet to keep them it? Perhaps where you keep bleach and other cleaning products?

 

[highfire]

I have used test strips and also the chemical kits with the liquid reagents in them, and I got differing readings with both kits. I tend to err on the side of the chemical kits as opposed to the test strips. While the strips are easy and quick, as already mentioned by ncjharris, they do tend to lose their effectiveness.
At the moment I am using the Interpet Easy Test Master Tablet Test Kit. It is a bit fiddly and time consuming, but once you get into a weekly routine then it's fine. I have found it to be reliable and accurate. It tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and PH.

 

[freya]

cheers for the replys, looks like I will be sticking with my chemicals then.

thanks again
frey

 

[Cheffi]

I use the API master test kit which was recommended by a lot of members. Very accurate and a good price from ebay

 

[freya]

I use the API master test kit which was recommended by a lot of members. Very accurate and a good price from ebay

I have just ordered it it was the cheapest i could find.