View Full Version : Parameter test kits...and stess coat...
Bill M.
06-30-2007, 05:40 AM
So I can't lie. I made the noobie mistake of buying the dip stick testers, the 6 in 1 type. I decided that I am a "hardcore" aquarist, so I took them back, and bought liquid test kits for ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and pH. I have read that they are much more accurate, and as I am in the process of adding new fish, I need to know exactly whats in my tank...are there any other kits I should invest in?
Also, how long does it take for stress coat to dechlorinate water? Next payday, I want to purchase a python water changing kit for 40 dollars at walmart. I know I am not going to change my water for a good month, as to allow the bacteria to accumulate unbotherd, but I figured it would be an invaluable tool....anyone with opinions/experience with python?
So I can't lie. I made the noobie mistake of buying the dip stick testers, the 6 in 1 type. I decided that I am a "hardcore" aquarist, so I took them back, and bought liquid test kits for ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and pH. I have read that they are much more accurate, and as I am in the process of adding new fish, I need to know exactly whats in my tank...are there any other kits I should invest in?
I use the Hagen test kits, affordable, easy to use and I would assume accurate. I'd suggest buying the master test kit which contains every test you need and it's all packed in a nice little suitcase. They cost about $100 CAD up here, so I'd assume they'd be a bit cheaper down south.
Also, how long does it take for stress coat to dechlorinate water? Next payday, I want to purchase a python water changing kit for 40 dollars at walmart. I know I am not going to change my water for a good month, as to allow the bacteria to accumulate unbotherd, but I figured it would be an invaluable tool....anyone with opinions/experience with python?
I've never used Stress Coat before, I usually use the water conditioner from Nutrafin or Prime from Seachem when I do water changes. Also, in regards to the Python, since you only have a 29g, I'd use that $40 and put it towards a good Master Test Kit before buying a Python. A good test kit is a neccisity and a Python is luxury. Just my .02 cents though.
I agree with Aliz, Bill. The python need not be a must-have option just now. It is really useful with very large tanks or for those of us with a ridiculous number of tanks. Your money would be better saved so you can upgrade things like filtration in the future.
Great job going for the liquid test kits. FAR more accurate and reliable.
Lady Hobbs
06-30-2007, 11:37 AM
I agree with the above. A python is not needed for one or two small tanks. And they cost $24 online.
~Erik3.8.07~
06-30-2007, 03:59 PM
I agree with gm72 and if you want to make ur water changes go faster you can just buy a few feet of clear rubber hose from home depot. Cost me 2$ for 10 feet of hose. Just siphon the water out into a 5 gallon bucket or something
Bill M.
06-30-2007, 11:48 PM
Sweet thanks guys.... I really dont think I will ever upgrade my filtration though, I've got an aquatech 60 HOB, as well as an EHEIM Ecco canister filter. I guess I could use the money for plants... never can have too much plants....my Combombas are doing amazingly well. I've got 4 stalks growing over 13 inches... and they are keeping my tank low on nitrates! whooo!...
Are there any other tests I should invest in??? This tank is my pride and joy, and since I am fortuneate enough to still live at home, I only have to pay car,incuranse and gas bills, so everything else I make is spending money!!!!
I use buckets...a bit of exercise for me...no plans to get a Python...
BUT...I just bought two new buckets (since I needed more) and the new ones are the elongate ones, vs. the traditional round ones...
MUCH easier to work with than the round...think I'll buy a couple more and toss my rounds...
*shrug* I only change 40 galleons of water twice a week, but i'd rather do something fun than carry buckets around and clean up the spills afterwards. Like wathcing my fish, or tending to my plants :)
I've never seen this Python, but I assume it is a two way hose like the old JBL 2-way hose?
Since you already have the NH3/4, NO2, NO3 and pH tests you could just buy GH (total hardness) and PO4 (phosphat) and you are all set. If you want to focus a little more on plants you might also want KH (carbonate hardness) and Fe (iron) tests.
In a mature tank you don't really need to test for NH3/4. If there is no NO2 there is no reason to think there are any dangerous levels of NH3/4. The same usually goes for NO3 and PO4, but since an imbalance here could cause severe algae growth, it might be good to test for it anyway.
Are there any other tests I should invest in??? This
What test kits do you have? Like I stated earlier, I suggest you look at buying a Master Test Kit (not just the mini ones), they have all the tests you need.
You don't need all the tests, but if this is your pride and joy and you are serious about fish keeping and enjoy learning about the chemistry behind it, it's a definete investment that is more than worthwhile.
What test kits do you have? Like I stated earlier, I suggest you look at buying a Master Test Kit (not just the mini ones), they have all the tests you need.
You don't need all the tests, but if this is your pride and joy and you are serious about fish keeping and enjoy learning about the chemistry behind it, it's a definete investment that is more than worthwhile.
Can you link this kit?
The eight tests I mentioned (of which Bill M. already has four) are all the tests you are likely to ever need in a freshwater tank. They are also the ones included in the JBL Lab Proff kit.
edit> Think I found it. It appears to contain the 8 basic tests plus a second pH test and a calcium test. Not sure why anyone would test for calcium, but if the kit is cheaper than buying the 4 tests by themselves it sounds like an idea.
Can you link this kit?
The eight tests I mentioned (of which Bill M. already has four) are all the tests you are likely to ever need in a freshwater tank. They are also the ones included in the JBL Lab Proff kit.
edit> Think I found it. It appears to contain the 8 basic tests plus a second pH test and a calcium test. Not sure why anyone would test for calcium, but if the kit is cheaper than buying the 4 tests by themselves it sounds like an idea.
I must have been typing my post when you posted yours, so I didn't see it. Calcium tests are used for SW tanks, the two pH tests are one for the low range and the other is for the high range. The advantage for having a kit like this (I'm sure there are other brands out there as well) is that you have everything and it's all in one case, so it's uncluttered and harder to misplace them.
There are also mini test kits around that only have 4 tests packaged.
Calcium tests are used for SW tanks
Of course, which is why i was suprised to see it in this kit.
the two pH tests are one for the low range and the other is for the high range.
Are they both precision tests with 0,2 accuracy?
The advantage for having a kit like this (I'm sure there are other brands out there as well) is that you have everything and it's all in one case, so it's uncluttered and harder to misplace them.
Of course, I have the JBL lab myself. Very handy, and looks impressive when you bring it to test friend's tanks :)
There are also mini test kits around that only have 4 tests packaged.
Never liked those. They are no cheaper than refills and never seem contain the tests you actually need.
Of course, which is why i was suprised to see it in this kit.
Why?
Are they both precision tests with 0,2 accuracy?
All the tests included are pretty well as accurate as tests from other manufacturers.
Like I said earlier, if you are serious about the hobby and wanting to learn about the chemistry behind it, a master test kit with all the tests is a worthwhile investment.
Why?
I can't see why they would want to include just one of the additional tests needed for a reef tank. I'm not into saltwater myself, but the guys at the club seem almost manic about their calcium, magnesium and copper not to mention greek stuff like silicate, strontium and iodine.
All the tests included are pretty well as accurate as tests from other manufacturers.
pH tests generally come with .5 or .2 accuracy. You can easily tell from the intervals on the color chart.
Since they included one for the lower levels and one for the higher, I was hoping for the .2 ones. I find them a lot more usefull :)
I can't see why they would want to include just one of the additional tests needed for a reef tank. I'm not into saltwater myself, but the guys at the club seem to always run around testing for Ca, Mg and Cu not to mention greek stuff like silicate, strontium and iodine.
Maybe to make it even 10 tests .... :ezpi_wink1:
pH tests generally come with .5 or .2 accuracy. You can easily tell from the intervals on the color chart.
Since they included one for the lower levels and one for the higher, I was hoping for the .2 ones. I find them a lot more usefull :)
Ah, I see what you mean now. Yes, the master test kit I have would have the .2 scale for the pH kits.
Bill M.
07-01-2007, 03:02 AM
Haha... I just ran to petsmart, took back my ammonia, trite, trate, and pH tests back, and traded them for the master kit which includes all of those and a high range pH test....for $20.69. The best advice in the world: when buying items from petsmart, petco, or even walmart *it had better be only suppplies! >:( * go online and find the item. At petsmart.com it is 100% of the time lower online, and you can print out the order form and take it to petsmart and they will honor the price.... thats how I got my $110 eheim cannister for $69, and my 30$ master test kit for 20.69$....that and you wont have to wait or pay for shipping! GENIOUS! lol....
Bill M.
07-01-2007, 03:05 AM
Can you link this kit?
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Thats what I just bought =]
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