Testing water parameters

[glarior]

How do you test your water parameters... What instrument/tools/kits do you use? I use quick dip strips and ammonia strips for a quick water test. I also use the Tetra test kit for when I need to be more accurate. However, it is so hard to tell the difference in color sometimes. When I did a ammonia test I could not tell if it was .5 or 1.5 because the color was so similar while comparing to the chart even when on a white background. Any suggestion on that?

[frizzlefish]

I have the individual API test kits. They come with a little test tube and the bottles of solutions to drop into the water in the tubes.

[Wild Turkey]

Other than the liquid test kits which are the only type i use for the main stuff, i have some random syringes with ML clearly marked to make it all easier. I have some for meds and some more tests, keep them separate.

Other than that the only tests i use are the drop checkers for c02 indication

My suggestion to your problem would be throw them away and get good, accurate, easy to read liquid test kits. You get 80-100 tests per kit so in the long run they are also cheaper than the strip tests. Not only are the strips hard to read, but their accuracy is up in the air, humidity can mess up the readings. (Yes humidity, in the aqua hobby LOL)

[glarior]

This is the exact one I have... Here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

and... Here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

Would you recommend something else instead?

(Yes humidity, in the aqua hobby LOL) - Really??? Humidity... I thought it was just plain water...:fish2: hahahah j/k :hmm3grin2orange:

[Wild Turkey]

:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

Api Freshwater Master Test Kit is what I would recommend for general purposes

[Jaster]

API freshwater kit for normal testing and I use the API 5-in-1 strips for just random checks. If something looks off on the stips I'll do a real test to double check.

[glarior]

I will buy an API kit but have one question. Which one is the best all around kit for FW and SW? I am thinking the FW master test kit because it does the same thing as the SW one. As for the reef master kit I don't have a reef so that would eliminate it unless I need it for live rock.

[Wild Turkey]

I will buy an API kit but have one question. Which one is the best all around kit for FW and SW? I am thinking the FW master test kit because it does the same thing as the SW one. As for the reef master kit I don't have a reef so that would eliminate it unless I need it for live rock.

Reef kits come with tests the average person wont need for freshwater, salinity, calcium, etc

[Jaster]

IMO, they are all about the same. None of these test kits are exactly spot on and we base our results on a color chart that we all see a bit different and pretty much left to what we think it is. We get stuck with looking through a reflective glass tube and depending on the light we use to look at these colors the results will change some. So unless you're willing to spend a very large amount of money on something more professional level or high test electronic equipment, I'd just stick with a good API kit for $30 that will tell you for the most part what you need to know. You'll know if something is wrong with the tank's water from those tests. For the hobbyist these test kits put us in a pretty good ballpark for whats going on with our water. Unless you are running a 1000 gallon tank with extremely delicate fish with very exact needs or run a store with a ton of tanks I really don't see a point to spending that much money. Even if you wanted to go all out and get something like a Hagen test kit for $100+ depending on where you get it. You'll get a couple more tests then the API kit, but do you really need them and will you use them to make it worth spending the extra $70?

[Wild Turkey]

If you are going to start spending 100$ for kits, thats when you would buy digital test meters. You are looking at anywhere from $80 up to several hundred for each test depending on what it tests. 100% not worth it for most hobbyists

[glarior]

If you have the money to build a 1000g aquarium I don't think you would want to cheap out on the testing equipment lol. I agree with yall on this. Plus, 20-30 for a close enough test is great in my wallet. Here is the FW test kit on bigals for 17+s/h ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

Thanks for the help

[ljarpin]

Im new to aquariums other than the gold fish i used to kill every month when i was 9 or 10yrs old.
I want to start testing my water so can have and idea what the levels of stuff is....but what test should i do and how often?
All i have is a 110 liter tank with Piranha that have been there for about a month now. Im not really sure that it was cycled correctly....It cleared up very nice in a few days but now its looking kinda yellowish.
Im really new here so im up against quite a few issuses.
ohh one more...i have put plants in there, thats what used to do the cycling but, im not sure there are doing so hot. they have been sort of dying and falling apart. not sure if i should have planted them in something other than the pot they came in.

On the good side the fish are doing god and growing pretty quick!
Sorry so long, thanks for any and all help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Neon]

I use tetra 5in1 strips , not very accurate , it just gives a rough idea of values , but it's ok.

[Neon]

did u add some good bacteria? or did u used a starter kit ? I suppose u did since ur pirana are still alive....by the way mind ur hands in that tank ..lol
if water is yellowis there must be a reason , it's not a good sign I guess...but I'm no expert about piranas...

[ljarpin]

Yeah i try not to put the digits in there
I did use something called "Safe start". The guy at the pet shop said to us it.....didn't know it at the time, but it actually comes with live bacteria in it so i guess i got lucky there. See i'm in Sicily and i speak a lil Italian but can hardly read it, so I couldn't really understand the directions.

Ohh! I did a water change today, took out about 25% and then added water with some "Aquasafe" in it. the water cleared up nicely after everything settled.
I guess a simple newb mistake, probably with all the fish and eating they were in need of a water change. i was told by a friend once a month was all he did but i think twice a month would be preferable for good healthy conditions.

thumbs2: thumbs2: thumbs2:

[bushwhacker]

i'd bump that up to once a week and 40-50%