Water testing kit questions. - Aquarium Advice

Bill2183 · 10-11-2003, 01:11 AM

As I am new to this hobby, up until now I have been taking my water to the pet store to have it tested. I am getting in my novice opinion unusual spikes in ammonia and nitrates. This seems to be occurring after I gravel vacuum and add fresh water.

I have decided it is time to begin tracking my levels regularly to isolate the cause of these spikes. I will be buying a water testing kit shortly.

My first question in which type of kit is better, the one with the vials and drops or the one with the testing strips you place in the water? It seems the strip tests are more economical and easier to use.

Thanks in advance.

lmw80 · 10-11-2003, 01:39 AM

[acronym:a70e17006e="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:a70e17006e], when you need a quick answer as to where your levels stand, the strips are just fine. They are a lot faster, and a lot less hassle. However, I prefer, for a more accurate reading, the aquarium pharmaceuticals drops with the vials. They may take a little longer, and be a little more of a hassle, but I feel it's worth it.

I do think this choice of yours to start testing your own water is a great one! Whatever brand, strips or drops and vials will be better than the store testing your water.

Voodoo Chilli · 10-11-2003, 02:14 AM

Strips are quick and easy but usually not the most reliable form of testing. They're much more "sensitive" than drop tests, as well; I've had strip kits go bad because of the high humidity we see here in the summer months.

The AP and Hagen drop kits are good choices, in my opinion.

dralarms · 10-11-2003, 07:51 AM

Voodoo Chilli, I'm from Athens also. Cool

Allivymar · 10-11-2003, 10:50 AM

*nods and agrees*

I prefer the liquid/vial tests for more accurate readings. I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals brand and they work well.

Voodoo Chilli · 10-11-2003, 12:55 PM

Small world, isn't it Justmy2cents?

Which fish shop do you frequent?

dralarms · 10-11-2003, 01:40 PM

WAs shopping in cleveland but just found a great [acronym:61d35d029d="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:61d35d029d] right under my nose. Turns out that a "companion" animal place is actually a pet store. Got a great deal on a new light for my 55 [acronym:61d35d029d="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:61d35d029d] there yesterday.

Voodoo Chilli · 10-12-2003, 09:19 AM

I've been in there once when he first opened but haven't been by in a while. It's a bit of a drive but I highly recommend The Fish Store. It's in Evansville (a few miles north of Dayton) and Bernie has a great shop. Great prices and a great selection of healthy fish.

dralarms · 10-12-2003, 09:40 AM

Ok, I may try that. But I do like to shop local when I can.

.

10-11-2003, 01:11 AM	#1
Bill2183 Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Illinois USA Posts: 26	Water testing kit questions. As I am new to this hobby, up until now I have been taking my water to the pet store to have it tested. I am getting in my novice opinion unusual spikes in ammonia and nitrates. This seems to be occurring after I gravel vacuum and add fresh water. I have decided it is time to begin tracking my levels regularly to isolate the cause of these spikes. I will be buying a water testing kit shortly. My first question in which type of kit is better, the one with the vials and drops or the one with the testing strips you place in the water? It seems the strip tests are more economical and easier to use. Thanks in advance. __________________ 55 Gal. Tank population:1 - 4" Red Tail Shark, 6 - Neons, 2 - Zebras, 2 - Spotted Corys, 1 Emerald Cory, 1 - Glass Catfish, 1 - Plecostemus, 1 Sun Fire Platy

10-11-2003, 01:39 AM	#2
lmw80 Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bristol, Pa Posts: 4,805 Images: 40	[acronym:a70e17006e="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:a70e17006e], when you need a quick answer as to where your levels stand, the strips are just fine. They are a lot faster, and a lot less hassle. However, I prefer, for a more accurate reading, the aquarium pharmaceuticals drops with the vials. They may take a little longer, and be a little more of a hassle, but I feel it's worth it. I do think this choice of yours to start testing your own water is a great one! Whatever brand, strips or drops and vials will be better than the store testing your water. __________________ -Lori Join the Eastern PA/Greater Philadelphia Forum! Click here: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/groupcp.php?g=7825 Aquariums are like jello - there's always room for more.

10-11-2003, 02:14 AM	#3
Voodoo Chilli Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Niota, TN Posts: 871 Images: 1	Strips are quick and easy but usually not the most reliable form of testing. They're much more "sensitive" than drop tests, as well; I've had strip kits go bad because of the high humidity we see here in the summer months. The AP and Hagen drop kits are good choices, in my opinion. __________________ Current species: Neolamprologus multifasciatus Lamprologus stappersi

10-11-2003, 07:51 AM	#4
dralarms Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Athens, TN. Posts: 3,024	Voodoo Chilli, I'm from Athens also. Cool __________________ Gerald Vote for AquariumAdvice

10-11-2003, 10:50 AM	#5
Allivymar Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2003 Location: NY Posts: 4,355 Images: 15	nods and agrees I prefer the liquid/vial tests for more accurate readings. I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals brand and they work well. __________________ aka Cycling Guru and the Ich Slayer glares at Terry and QTOFFER Card carrying member of FTAS & GCAS.

10-11-2003, 12:55 PM	#6
Voodoo Chilli Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Niota, TN Posts: 871 Images: 1	Small world, isn't it Justmy2cents? Which fish shop do you frequent? __________________ Current species: Neolamprologus multifasciatus Lamprologus stappersi

10-11-2003, 01:40 PM	#7
dralarms Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Athens, TN. Posts: 3,024	WAs shopping in cleveland but just found a great [acronym:61d35d029d="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:61d35d029d] right under my nose. Turns out that a "companion" animal place is actually a pet store. Got a great deal on a new light for my 55 [acronym:61d35d029d="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:61d35d029d] there yesterday. __________________ Gerald Vote for AquariumAdvice

10-12-2003, 09:19 AM	#8
Voodoo Chilli Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Niota, TN Posts: 871 Images: 1	I've been in there once when he first opened but haven't been by in a while. It's a bit of a drive but I highly recommend The Fish Store. It's in Evansville (a few miles north of Dayton) and Bernie has a great shop. Great prices and a great selection of healthy fish. __________________ Current species: Neolamprologus multifasciatus Lamprologus stappersi

10-12-2003, 09:40 AM	#9
dralarms Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Athens, TN. Posts: 3,024	Ok, I may try that. But I do like to shop local when I can. . __________________ Gerald Vote for AquariumAdvice

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