Chemical Test Strips VS. Test Kits - Aquarium Advice

thetmaxx · 03-15-2006, 07:44 PM

I don't know how long test strips are supposed to last, (I test about once a week, sometimes 2 weeks if things have been going smoothly...

But anyways, I have Mardel Test strips, and they have been givig a most unaccurate pH reading lately, and if i look really close to the pad, it looks like it is already partially developed. I never removed the silicon packet...

But they keep giving me a light pinkish color which isn't on the chart, and if I get a good strip, it gives me a normal color that is on the chart...

Just wondering what other's thoughts were on this. Do most of you use pH test kits? (Like the ones with bottles and test tubes)

flipz · 03-15-2006, 08:29 PM

Any "pro" will tell you that the strips are crap... to put it nicely. lol.

It's always recommened to use the kits (bottle and tube).

-brent

Macrosill · 03-15-2006, 08:58 PM

I second that

rich311k · 03-15-2006, 10:23 PM

The test strips are useless once the package is open and they start picking up the moisture in the air etc. Buy a liquid kit.

nitrous · 03-15-2006, 10:28 PM

ya and if your going to get one, get one online because they are twice the price then in stores which may even out with shipping but if you buy good amount then itll be worth it,

i have this test kit which i think is very popular
http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/prod...d1=3233;pcid2=

thetmaxx · 03-16-2006, 09:54 AM

I kind of had the feeling that the strips were really worthless. I'll be picking up a test kit this weekend probably...

03-15-2006, 07:44 PM	#1
thetmaxx Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2004 Location: California Posts: 182 Images: 12	Chemical Test Strips VS. Test Kits I don't know how long test strips are supposed to last, (I test about once a week, sometimes 2 weeks if things have been going smoothly... But anyways, I have Mardel Test strips, and they have been givig a most unaccurate pH reading lately, and if i look really close to the pad, it looks like it is already partially developed. I never removed the silicon packet... But they keep giving me a light pinkish color which isn't on the chart, and if I get a good strip, it gives me a normal color that is on the chart... Just wondering what other's thoughts were on this. Do most of you use pH test kits? (Like the ones with bottles and test tubes)

03-15-2006, 08:58 PM	#3
Macrosill Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York Posts: 282 Images: 4	I second that __________________ Good Luck, Brian

03-15-2006, 10:28 PM	#5
nitrous Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago ridge, illinois Posts: 801 Images: 6	ya and if your going to get one, get one online because they are twice the price then in stores which may even out with shipping but if you buy good amount then itll be worth it, i have this test kit which i think is very popular http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/prod...d1=3233;pcid2= __________________ 20 [acronym="Gallon"]gal[/acronym]-plants and 2 red zebra chiclids 15 [acronym="Gallon"]gal[/acronym]- shark tank 36 [acronym="Gallon"]gal[/acronym]-3 yellow labs 3 red zebra 1 jewel/plants

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03-15-2006, 08:29 PM	#2
flipz Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 719 Images: 1	Any "pro" will tell you that the strips are crap... to put it nicely. lol. It's always recommened to use the kits (bottle and tube). -brent

03-15-2006, 10:23 PM	#4
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,972 Images: 35	The test strips are useless once the package is open and they start picking up the moisture in the air etc. Buy a liquid kit.

03-16-2006, 09:54 AM	#6
thetmaxx Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2004 Location: California Posts: 182 Images: 12	I kind of had the feeling that the strips were really worthless. I'll be picking up a test kit this weekend probably...