What test kits do I need? - Aquarium Advice

Dominick · 08-15-2006, 04:40 AM

Ok i have a question for ya dosers what Tests kits do i need for testing the frerts?
can i use the nitrate test from the master test kit to test nitrate fert?
and where would i be able to get the test kits that you might sagest?

Jchillin · 08-15-2006, 09:30 AM

I created your own thread for your question Dominick. The simple list is:

PH, NO3, Gh, Kh, Phosphate.

7Enigma · 08-15-2006, 09:35 AM

Yes the nitrAte kit from the AP liquid test kit is what you want to test for nitrogen. You also want the pH kit from that same test kit if you plan to use CO2.

You need a phosphate kit at the minimum, and I would recommend a GH test kit though it is not entirely needed if you water change frequently.

If you plan on going the CO2 route you also need a KH test kit. AP makes good test kits for these as does some other companies. I think I got mine from Big Al's and thatpetplace.com .

So to sum it up, if you already have a master test kit that includes a pH and nitrAte test, the only test you need if you don't plan on injecting CO2 is a phosphate test kit.

rich311k · 08-15-2006, 10:14 AM

Just me aware the nitrate kit is not all that accurate under 10ppm. So you may need to judge by how your plants are doing as well. I would recommend the Seachem Phosphate test kit.

7Enigma · 08-15-2006, 10:36 AM

rich311k,

Thanks for the reply, it was the Seachem kit I couldn't remember for phosphate that is recommended over the AP kit (I have the AP kit and am happy with it). For nitrAte testing and dosing I try to keep 20-30ppm in the tank so I know its not limiting and this will be easily and accurately seen on the nitrAte test kits.

Dominick · 08-15-2006, 04:20 PM

hanks for the advice and help im doseing
80 Gallon Aquariums
+/- 3/4 tsp KN03 3x a week
+/- 3/16 tsp KH2P04 3x a week
+/- 1/4 tsp K2S04 3x a week
+/- ¼ tsp (15ml) Trace 3x a week

the plants are much much greener but now so is the algae
its driving me up the wall lol

08-15-2006, 09:30 AM	#2
Jchillin Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York, NY (The Big Apple) Posts: 12,970 Images: 47	I created your own thread for your question Dominick. The simple list is: PH, NO3, Gh, Kh, Phosphate. __________________ _________________________________

08-15-2006, 09:35 AM	#3
7Enigma Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Havertown, PA Posts: 2,624 Images: 5	Yes the nitrAte kit from the AP liquid test kit is what you want to test for nitrogen. You also want the pH kit from that same test kit if you plan to use CO2. You need a phosphate kit at the minimum, and I would recommend a GH test kit though it is not entirely needed if you water change frequently. If you plan on going the CO2 route you also need a KH test kit. AP makes good test kits for these as does some other companies. I think I got mine from Big Al's and thatpetplace.com . So to sum it up, if you already have a master test kit that includes a pH and nitrAte test, the only test you need if you don't plan on injecting CO2 is a phosphate test kit. __________________ 20G High -Currently in tank: 1 checkered barb, 1 cory, 1 BN pleco, MTS, variety of platy (fry, juvi, adult), lots of plants. http://www.photolocker.net/images/7Enigma/milfoil2.jpg

08-15-2006, 10:36 AM	#5
7Enigma Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Havertown, PA Posts: 2,624 Images: 5	rich311k, Thanks for the reply, it was the Seachem kit I couldn't remember for phosphate that is recommended over the AP kit (I have the AP kit and am happy with it). For nitrAte testing and dosing I try to keep 20-30ppm in the tank so I know its not limiting and this will be easily and accurately seen on the nitrAte test kits. __________________ 20G High -Currently in tank: 1 checkered barb, 1 cory, 1 BN pleco, MTS, variety of platy (fry, juvi, adult), lots of plants. http://www.photolocker.net/images/7Enigma/milfoil2.jpg

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08-15-2006, 04:40 AM	#1
Dominick Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mesa Arizona Posts: 191	Ok i have a question for ya dosers what Tests kits do i need for testing the frerts? can i use the nitrate test from the master test kit to test nitrate fert? and where would i be able to get the test kits that you might sagest?

08-15-2006, 10:14 AM	#4
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,972 Images: 35	Just me aware the nitrate kit is not all that accurate under 10ppm. So you may need to judge by how your plants are doing as well. I would recommend the Seachem Phosphate test kit.

08-15-2006, 04:20 PM	#6
Dominick Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mesa Arizona Posts: 191	hanks for the advice and help im doseing 80 Gallon Aquariums +/- 3/4 tsp KN03 3x a week +/- 3/16 tsp KH2P04 3x a week +/- 1/4 tsp K2S04 3x a week +/- ¼ tsp (15ml) Trace 3x a week the plants are much much greener but now so is the algae its driving me up the wall lol