ALthough I've only used this brand of test kit for a few months now, I've found it to be a very accurate test kit. It's easy to use and easy to find at almost any LFS.

Instructions are also recorded directly on the bottle for easy referance

------------------------------
If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease.
"Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony Calfo
Fishless Cycle Cycling with Fish http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=76398”] Marine Aquarium Info [/URL] [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

This is the best test kit out there. Very acurate! Very simple to use!
Lasts for ever!

------------------------------
FISH FRIENDS ARE THE BEST!

Just got this product the other day. This test kit is great and very accurate and easy to use. Like the others said I was using the strips but there expensive and some times dont work correctly. Would definetly recommend this product.

------------------------------
Shaunjr_89

This is a very reasonably priced and easy to use.

I found a cheap dropper made it easier to get accurate measurements of the water in the test tubes, but it is certainly not required.

------------------------------

A must have for the aquarist. Very easy to test, just a few drops. Two tests require two bottles. Tests pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate.
Kit includes computer-calibrated and laminated color cards, 4 glass test tubes and holding tray. Also contains complete, step-by-step instruction booklet, including information on how to correct unsafe water conditions.

You'll never be disappointed when purchasing an API test kit. For the most part, it's everything needed for the freshwater beginner. I would also suggest purchasing the kH and gH tests (which API also sells in a bundle to save you money) in addition to this set.

------------------------------
funkman262's 90g Planted Tank Journal

I love this test kit. I use mine all the time and it is very easy to use. Not too expensive for what youre getting.

------------------------------
You can never have too many wheelbarrows.

This is a must have IMO. It is easy to use, instructions are simple, but it is a little time consuming and expensive. Get it and understand that healthy fish require time and do not look back.

Worth the high price

------------------------------
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
Albert Einstein

My 55g community tank
API test kit expiration dates
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheWil...49508741772536

The glass tubes have been broken so many times because of my carelessness
Also some bottles have tons of warnings on corrosiveness and that stuff.

The kit is very accurate

------------------------------
120 gallon29 gallon
5.5 and 2.5 gallon
The harley man......no not the motorcycle, harlequin rasboras
Angie R.I.P. 10/29/11

Love it, a must have. Was using dip strips before and this is far more accurate. Apparently I got it for a good price too, $18 and change from Pet Mountain. I'll never use anything else.

The only test kit i will Own. It is a must if you are going to do your Fish justice.

I am not a big fan of using test strips. I use these weekly when i do my parameter test. It would be better if it came with a syringe instead of fighting to get the tubes filled to the proper levels.

------------------------------
40 Gallon Breeder Planted: harlequin rasbora rummynose tetra corydoras cherry barbs

40 Gallon Breeder Reef: In progress!

Far better than strips, this is the most highly referenced test kit on the forums. I mostly use the nitrate test now that the tank is cycled. Ammonia and nitrites tests are pretty straightforward. Nitrate is a little more involved with a lot more shaking. The water color in the tube changes a lot as you move the tube closer or further away from a white background, so you have to take a best guess. Also, sometimes it's hard to tell what color you have on these tests because the charts aren't printed all too well. I know this because I bought an API standalone ammonia test kit separately, and the color chart from that does not perfectly match the color chart from the master kit, so there is a noticeable difference. This brings some subjectivity into the test results.

Test kit is pricey up front, but you get a ton of tests out of it, so it's not as expensive as it seems in the long run. You also get four test tubes and a handy plastic case with it. I've seen it for $30 (plus tax) at LFS and pet stores, but you can find it for $20 plus a few bucks shipping online.

Other notes... the plastic case is handy and holds everything in place, but I wish they had some type of test tube holder with a white background at a specific distance. That would really help with judging the colors. Also, including a test tube scrubber would help. I've noticed that the nitrite test liquid in particular doesn't clean off of the tubes well. I'll still see blue water in there after cleaning it as well as in the cap. Can't imagine that is ideal for future tests.

Very good and essential piece of equipment but it can be hard to tell the difference between colours on some tests

------------------------------
4ft mbuna mangaino and yellows
4ft rainbow tank
4ft planted community
16g nano planted shrimp and neon tetras
10g nano reef