best test kit??

[shadylady23]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new test kit as mine is very old and yesterday I broke my test tube anyways. I'm obviously looking for a good value and a good product, any suggestions? I saw one on Walmart's website for like 15 bucks, but it doesn't have a Nitrate test, would I still need that? It did however include PH, ammonia, Nitrite, looks like more stuff too, but not too sure what they are....

 

[shadylady23]

Oh, also, what would be good to put on the end of my filter to keep my baby mollies from getting sucked up?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I am a huge fan of the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. The only test that you may have a hard time reading is the Nitrates. It only gets "unreadable" past 40 and if it is that high, a water change is required anyway.

IMO, yes, you need a Nitrate. I only use Ammonia and Nitrite when cycling. After the tank is cycled I only use Nitrate and occasionally pH. And after a while I stop testing all together unless something is amiss with the fish or tank conditions. So you will definitely want a Nitrate kit since it is the ultimate product of a cycled tank.

I use a new un-work/un-washed pantyhose. just cut it short to fit on the filter intake and tie with a rubberband.

 

[jsoong]

2nd the API master kit.

An alternative to pantyhose is filter sponge. You can get a small Aquaclear sponge filter (or generic sponge) & cut a hole/slits halfway down the sponge to make a kind of a sock to fit over your filter intake. <Or wet the sponge, freeze it & drill a hole with a power drill.> You can also get a cheap generic sponge filter sleeve from Walmart (for the Magnum canister & the Walmart knockoff). This is basically a 1/4" thick sheet of coarse filter foam. Cut a piece out & attach to the intake with a rubber band, or you can sew a prettier sock like covering.

 

[shadylady23]

Okay thanks, Do you know who would carry that kit? Or should I just order online?

 

[jsoong]

I got mine at PetSmart. Big Al's also have them. <Since I am in Canada, might not work for you .... but the API is carried by lots of lfs.>

 

[Fishyfanatic]

PetsMart, PetCo, many lfs, or even order online. The API kit is the most common.

 

[kreesdqban]

API Master Test Kit. Look for it on eBay. I got mine for $21!

 

[Nyquil Junkie]

Dont use those dip stick testers, I haven't found a brand yet that is anywhere near consistent or accurate.
The last one I got at wal mart tested 3PPM nitrite on distilled water.

The master kit and another test kit I have both said 0ppm.
So I dipped my 40 gal tank... it said 3ppm
I did a master kit test, it was less than .25ppm

I dip tested a bottle of spring water. 3ppm.

LOL

I agree, buy the api master kit.