Test kits: dangerous?

[Beacious]

Whats the best kind/brand of test kit? And what kind/brand should I avoid?

Thanks, Beacious.

 

[QTOFFER]

Whats the best kind/brand of test kit? And what kind/brand should I avoid?

Although I have never used them personally, I don't like the strip test kits because I have read alot about their inaccuracy.

You want to avoid the Nessler-type ammonia kits (the ones with one reagent bottle) because they can give false readings if used with certain dechlorinators like Amquel. The two-reagent salicylate-based ammonia kits are a better bet.

Be aware that some kits work only for FW, some only for SW, and some for both - read the box carefully before buying.

Before I bought my kits, I opened the boxes in the store and made sure I could understand the instructions and read the color strip. Some of the tests out there require you to distinguish between various shades of violet or brown, which I found very difficult.

And just for the record, I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals brand with no complaints.