Test Tubes vs. Test Strips

[wabyrd]

I was wondering if there's a reason that most people around here seem to use test tube type water tests instead of the quick dip test strips? When I first started, I was using the tube type of water tests because I felt that they would be more accurate. Now, I use the quick dip test strips since my tanks are established. I have been using these for a few years now. I have the unnecessary Ammonia detector hanging in the back corner of the tank, and only check for nitrAte every few days. All of my tanks are healthy. Am I wrong in my ways? Here's my logic:

Tank is established, so Ammonia should be 0 (bacterial conversion),
NitrIte should be zero (bacterial conversion),
Nothing in tank to change pH, so I only check when doing a water change.
Only NitrAte should rise.

Since I'm established I like the convenience of the dip sticks even though they are more expensive and in my mind less accurate. Is there any other reason to do the drop/test tube type test over the dip stick?

I like using both. And sometimes one is different from the other. I also don't have an established aquarium, and I test my water everyday. Once in the morning and once at night. Which is most likely way too much. But I can't help it.

I was told it is best to use Salicylate tests from Kordon. But I can't find them. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.

[reberly]

I don't like test tubes because our tap water contaminates the tubes when you rinse them out and you can't get any kind of accurate results. I like the strips a lot.

Ryan

[HOLLIEO]

Reberly, When using the test strips it says to get the water from your tank and put in the little tube and then dip (vigorisly) in the test tube. Okay, so my question (and it does not reference it anywhere on the strips).. Should you rinse the tube in the tap after you use it or just dump out the tank water from it (like a tablespoon) and then store?
Thank you for the help.

[wabyrd]

When using the test strips it says to get the water from your tank and put in the little tube and then dip (vigorisly) in the test tube.

That's only on the ammonia test strips. Nitrite/Nitrate and pH don't come with test tubes. I use a permanent ammonia indicator in the back corner and only check ammonia if I lose a fish.

[reberly]

I'm not sure about your question. My test strips say to submerge them in the water and immediately remove them without shaking off excess water. I just put them straight in the tank, I hope this isn't a stupid thing to do...

Ryan

My Mardel test strips say to do that. But whether they cause harm or not, I guess I'll never know. My gourami stares at the test strip when I test the water.

[TankGirl]

According to many, the strips are less accurate, and they can become contaminated. Yes, it is not as important to test for ammonia and nitrites once your tank is established, but that does not mean you should not test for them. An established tank can experience a "crash" for a variety of reasons, like illness or medication treatment. Your municipal water/well water can change, creating different conditions in your tank without you realizing it, so it is a good idea to check these things periodically. (No, I'm not obsessed with my tanks..... )

[HOLLIEO]

aaaaahhh. So you can dip the other strips (other than ammonia) directly into the tank?? Thanks!!

[Bearfan]

I always use the test tubes due to their accuracy. I am a firm believer that finding any change is important, not just the large ones, and the test strips have a hard time discerning. I know the test tubes are accurate, I don't believe the strips to be as accurate. To each their own.