Test Kits

[Labenator65000]

I noticed that if I go to PetCo or PetSmart, that they use multi-purpose dip strips similar to what one would use to test a kiddy pool. My LFS whipped out something of a chemistry set in a tackle box with an array of chemicals, miniature beakers and test tubes where they seemingly tested much more scientifically. Are the multi-purpose dip strips sufficient for the layman, or does one really need to pay more for a professional grade test kit? I would like some recommendations on affordable, readily available test kits; preferably one you could pick up in a store without having to order online. ~thanks

 

[joel618]

Api master test kit. Can find at oetco but cheaper on amazon. The strips are known for being inaccurate and personally wouldn't use them.

 

[Dreamingdragon]

Today I had a ruby clown that died. I bought it yesterday. I have a api tester kit. So I test my water 0 nitrate 0 nitrite 0 amonia 8.2 ph. I took some water out of my tank to petco. This guy had test strips so he did the test and sad that my nitrite was a littel bit high but in a range. Than he had the ammonia strip that was 0 than he talk about my water how high I have my heater I sad up to 78. There water temp was on 88 in the store. But de ruby clown fish was up side down in the bag still a live. But I trade it in four 3 bleu German rams API test kit is great. But it is 32 dollars worth it

 

[Dreamingdragon]

I doint like the strips. The dropper kit is better

 

[jpchin]

in the long run the liquid tests are cheaper than the test strips. they are also more accurate. i test almost everyday so that cost really would add up if i used the strips. and again not as accurate.

 

[Dreamingdragon]

I agree

 

[Labenator65000]

Today I had a ruby clown that died. I bought it yesterday. I have a api tester kit. So I test my water 0 nitrate 0 nitrite 0 amonia 8.2 ph. I took some water out of my tank to petco. This guy had test strips so he did the test and sad that my nitrite was a littel bit high but in a range. Than he had the ammonia strip that was 0 than he talk about my water how high I have my heater I sad up to 78. There water temp was on 88 in the store. But de ruby clown fish was up side down in the bag still a live. But I trade it in four 3 bleu German rams API test kit is great. But it is 32 dollars worth it

You found German Rams at Petco? All I ever see in there is the occasional couple of Yellow Labs, Jack Dempseys, and Tiger Oscars; and of course the notorious and non-descript "Africans" tank.

 

[Dreamingdragon]

I talk to the guy of petco. They always had the same fish. Boring fish. So I sad I want to order fish. But the store it's self didn't want that. After a few discussion. He could free order fish. I told him that they will sell much more. Sind a few month he sell a lot of fish. Thank to oll cichlid lover. That had a complain a bout there stocking of petco. so lucky me that I have the German rams in today