Yes, I agree! A liquid test kit is the way to go, and often you'll find out that your parameters are much different than the strips will tell you. At any rate, stable pH is better than adding chemicals to alter it. I also agree that you should stop stocking your tank until you get results of 0 for ammonia and nitrite, and measurable nitrate, from a liquid test kit for at least a couple of weeks to be safe. TSS can work for a quick cycle, but I disagree with its claims (or that of ANY cycling product) that you can stock to 100% capacity from the get-go.