Test strips or liquid test kits? - Aquarium Advice

yellowjacket171 · 08-25-2003, 05:09 PM

When I first set up my tank I went and purchased a freshwater master test kit, that was three months ago. Recently I purchased test strips thinking they would be easier to use. I seem to have a problem with the [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] strips. The strips always say my [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] is only 6.5. So I go and check with the liquid test kit and it says my [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] is 7.0, the expiration date says they are good for another year. It seems to be the only test results that are not the same. So which is best? Also, has anyone tried the Ammonia Alert by Seachem? Its a circle sensor that suction cups inside your aquarium, in the water of course, and alerts you of ammonia changes by different colors. I purchased one and am going to try it. I also purchased ammonia strips so will try them and check regularly to see if the sensor or strips are working correctly.

Punkymom · 08-25-2003, 08:04 PM

I've used both the strips and the drops...I think the drops would be more accurate, because I have a hard time reading the [acronym:00e1961e99="Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions"]ph[/acronym:00e1961e99] level with the strips...all the colors look the same to me! When my strips run out, I'm going back to drops. If the strips get damp, it can affect the results. Not so with drops...a LOT harder to screw everything up, but it's a little wetter...[acronym:00e1961e99="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:00e1961e99]

Techboy · 08-26-2003, 08:44 AM

use the liquid test because some times the strips run and you cant tell the results

Terry · 08-26-2003, 11:07 AM

I think drops are more acurate, but strips are good in emergences. me personaly neither are any good as i am colour blind [acronym:86d95df4e6="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:86d95df4e6].

Voodoo Chilli · 08-26-2003, 11:53 AM

The strips are much simpler to use but nowhere near as accurate. Strips can be affected by temerature, humidity, etc-- thus affecting the reading you'll receive. Much better to go with the liquid tests and get the proper results from testing.

ADCISCO · 08-28-2003, 04:04 PM

I have had a problem with my tests also. I bought the dry tabs and have been using them. All my test have come back perfect but the nitrites. So I went to the pest store and they tested my water....I had just tested before I left the house and I only live 10 minutes from the store....they did the test with drops......they ALL came up high! I am wondering at this point who is right and who is wrong. Anyone have any ideas???

madasafish · 08-28-2003, 04:12 PM

I've had nothing but (apparantly) accurate results from the drops. I prefer them, myself. From all I've heard, they're generally more accurate.

08-25-2003, 05:09 PM	#1
yellowjacket171 Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN USA Posts: 38	Test strips or liquid test kits? When I first set up my tank I went and purchased a freshwater master test kit, that was three months ago. Recently I purchased test strips thinking they would be easier to use. I seem to have a problem with the [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] strips. The strips always say my [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] is only 6.5. So I go and check with the liquid test kit and it says my [acronym:05fddd0626="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:05fddd0626] is 7.0, the expiration date says they are good for another year. It seems to be the only test results that are not the same. So which is best? Also, has anyone tried the Ammonia Alert by Seachem? Its a circle sensor that suction cups inside your aquarium, in the water of course, and alerts you of ammonia changes by different colors. I purchased one and am going to try it. I also purchased ammonia strips so will try them and check regularly to see if the sensor or strips are working correctly.

08-25-2003, 08:04 PM	#2
Punkymom Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 426 Images: 8	I've used both the strips and the drops...I think the drops would be more accurate, because I have a hard time reading the [acronym:00e1961e99="Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions"]ph[/acronym:00e1961e99] level with the strips...all the colors look the same to me! When my strips run out, I'm going back to drops. If the strips get damp, it can affect the results. Not so with drops...a LOT harder to screw everything up, but it's a little wetter...[acronym:00e1961e99="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:00e1961e99] __________________ Out of the mouth of my 15 month old: "Ah da fiswa doo na say." Roughly translated: Silly fish swims up.

08-26-2003, 08:44 AM	#3
Techboy Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cyrpess California Posts: 51	use the liquid test because some times the strips run and you cant tell the results __________________ TechBoy

08-26-2003, 11:07 AM	#4
Terry Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Harlow, Essex. UK Posts: 676	I think drops are more acurate, but strips are good in emergences. me personaly neither are any good as i am colour blind [acronym:86d95df4e6="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:86d95df4e6]. __________________ " There is to much information in this hobby to learn in one lifetime " But with the help of Aquarium Advice we can have a good try.

08-26-2003, 11:53 AM	#5
Voodoo Chilli Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Niota, TN Posts: 871 Images: 1	The strips are much simpler to use but nowhere near as accurate. Strips can be affected by temerature, humidity, etc-- thus affecting the reading you'll receive. Much better to go with the liquid tests and get the proper results from testing. __________________ Current species: Neolamprologus multifasciatus Lamprologus stappersi

08-28-2003, 04:04 PM	#6
ADCISCO Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: West Virginia Posts: 296 Images: 12	I have had a problem with my tests also. I bought the dry tabs and have been using them. All my test have come back perfect but the nitrites. So I went to the pest store and they tested my water....I had just tested before I left the house and I only live 10 minutes from the store....they did the test with drops......they ALL came up high! I am wondering at this point who is right and who is wrong. Anyone have any ideas??? __________________ I'm not telling anymore![acronym:44c74db7b1="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:44c74db7b1] Everytime I update a fish dies.....I think it is some kind of curse!!!! BEWARE......Its really true....I've asked around![acronym:44c74db7b1="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:44c74db7b1] No Lie! Even posted on it!!!!

08-28-2003, 04:12 PM	#7
madasafish Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: NY, NY Posts: 2,260 Images: 73	I've had nothing but (apparantly) accurate results from the drops. I prefer them, myself. From all I've heard, they're generally more accurate. __________________ [acronym:3ff24413a5="Malaysian Trumpet Snails or Multiple Tank Syndrome, depending on context"]MTS[/acronym:3ff24413a5] is a blessing, not a disease.

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