Test Kits

[Guest]

This is the test kit i currently Have
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19383;category_id=2255

I also have these strips which im using now because i broke all my test tubes on my new tile floor

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=31965;category_id=2259

Im thinking, I want to buy this one, because it has everything, iron, calcium, hardness... and instead of buying 5 extra tests, why not get this, has anybody used this test kit before, or this brand?http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19475;category_id=3087

 

[scarf]

I'm using that brand atm, but I've found that unless you buy the individual test kits, the measurements you perform with it (I have the Mini one) are less precise

eg: With the individual ammonia test kit, there is a greater range of colours (ie yellow to green to blue) to accurately test the level of your ammonia. However, for the mini master test kit (I think that's what it's called), for the ammonia test, the colour range is limited (white to orange), and thus, less accurate. This is due to more reagants being supplied with the individual kits.

 

[Andos99]

That kit seems to offer a lot of test you don't need for a freshwater tank which might be kind of a waste.

If you need some replacement test tubes, check out this link....

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...Kits/T1/F73+1044+0268/EDP/19704/Itemdy00.aspx

 

[fishyrican]

You can also get a bunch of test tubes from here:
http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm?terms=8565&cartLogFrom=Search

 

[malkore]

and honestly, Nutrafin/Hagen brand test kits always seem to get the most complaints about inaccurate tests (when compared to comparable brand), and I think they're real big on 'low, medium, high' test cards instead of ones that give you actual numbers.

 

[SteveM]

Im thinking, I want to buy this one, because it has everything, iron, calcium, hardness... and instead of buying 5 extra tests, why not get this, has anybody used this test kit before, or this brand?http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19475;category_id=3087

I have that kit, and I bought it for the same reason you described. It has the same reagents/color charts as the individual hagen tests, so it's not any less accurate than other test kits I've used. I think Bigals also sells the individual reagent refills too, so you can replace only what you use up.

However, I have the following complaints:

1) NO3 and PO4 tests have glass bottles with "self-release" or something droppers, and they always drop more than you want. PITA
2) Ca test is pretty useless for FW (1 drop = 50ppm Ca as CaCO3). Maybe useful if you have really hard water I guess.
3) Fe test takes 30min for chelated test - its the only Fe test I've ever used, so maybe that's normal?

In general I find I use my AP tests whenever I have the choice, but I think the Hagen kit is a nice package and it's what I'd take if I had to leave the house to test someone elses water

 

[mattrox]

That Hagen Kit is AU$160 I better see if Big Al's shippis to Australia!! Even with the exchange rate ... ssshhessh. I always wanted that kit... but By the sounds I might just look at other options.

 

[Guest]

well, i've always used aquarium pharmaceuticals and have had good results, thanks for the links to the test tubes.. that's really all i needed. I didnt know they sold test tubes, i bought a 24 pack from petsolutions.com
But i do need a good hardness (KH and GH) and iron test kit, any suggestions?
I have plants, so is there anything else i should be testing for?
Thanks everyone

 

[scarf]

I'm with you mattrox. They selling that kit for USD$40, which is AUD$57 using a 0.7 exchange rate which was what it was last time I checked. The cheapest mail order I use sells the Hagen Master Test Kit at a whopping A$108.70.

Though don't expect too much. According to their shipping link, they ship only to Continental United States. Not even to Alaska or Hawaii, so I guess the chances are not too great.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Ashley- Aquarium Pharmacuticals sells a good GH/KH test kit. Both solutions are in the same box. I believe they also sell the iron.