Question: Hi I would like to know what you use to test the water in your tanks

[aroraessence]

Hi I am new here and would like to know what people use to test their axi water?I have seen aquarium test kits for like 30-40 dollars and that seems alot?How long do they last?I would like to know what you use and what would be cheapest but most effective.Safe journeys my friends

 

[pookiewn]

I use the Nutrafin Mini Master Test kit, it has lasted about 4 months, using very regularly during the cycling process and still got loads left! It is about £20 in the shops here, but I managed to get mine on ebay for £12 delivered. They are expensive, but they last for ages and water quality is hugely important for your little friends so the expense is worth it in the end.

 

[carsona246]

you want an ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Those are the only 3 you really need

 

[emz]

I also use a liquid test tube kit API master test kit and it has lasted 3 months so far and is still quite full and although it is more expensive than the test strips i have heard many times that it is far more accurate.

 

[aroraessence]

Thanks for the reply,I will look that brand up and see what i find.I don't mind spending the money if it lasts for awhile but if you got to buy it every month on top of food and whatever else might come up would be alot.Safe journeys my friend

 

[mewsie]

Its definitely worth the expense and does last quite a while

I test their water once a week, give or take a few days. Or, if there is something I'm concerned about, like strange behaviour, I'll check the water just to be safe.

You only need a few drops from each bottle each time

 

[aroraessence]

I also use a liquid test tube kit API master test kit and it has lasted 3 months so far and is still quite full and although it is more expensive than the test strips i have heard many times that it is far more accurate.

Thanks emz I agree I have heard bad things about the strips also so i just bought the Api master test kit for 22.99 so was alot better then 40.00,sheeeewww,I guess I will see how long it lasts,and now I gotta learn what to do if the reading are off?I believe my tank will be sitting empty for a very long time...lol

 

[carsona246]

i'm still using a nitrate test kit i bought 4 years ago, you should be ok for at least a year or two.

 

[aroraessence]

How often do you test your tank?May I ask you Carson?And how often is it necessary or recommended?

 

[Jossie]

I have seen aquarium test kits for like 30-40 dollars and that seems alot?

They're about $60-70 here!

 

[Green frog]

Same here Josie :happy:

i just bought the Api master test kit for 22.99 so was alot better then 40.00,

I purchased a new API Master test kit the other day on special was $59
Also purchased a phosphate kit and that was $37

Nice to have peace of mind.

 

[carsona246]

How often do you test your tank?May I ask you Carson?And how often is it necessary or recommended?

I typically test for nitrate once a month after my tank is all setup and running, but if I think something's up I'll test everything. If i'm cycling it's once or twice a day

 

[sheena22]

API and other brands are not too good, Ive started using SERA and they are amazing, german brand and always reliable, you can buy the tests separately as well, so if you only want nitrite nitrate and ammonia you can just buy them rather than buying the whole lot for a lot more money. My boyfriend works in a fish shop and they use them to test their water so i really would suggest them x

And i think they are £8 Seperately i dont know how much in dollars , so if u feel you cant afford them you can stack up gradually xx

Hope this helps

 

[aroraessence]

Thanks for the info,I feel very lucky now I got it for the price I did,I think I am going buy another one just so I have back up.I am going to try and do a fish-less cycle of the tank.I have been reading up on it and it seems I will be having to take a lot of readings of the water.I have never heard of Sera,might have to look into that one also.Really appreciate all the feedback on this one.Safe journeys my friends

 

[jellybubby88]

hey Jossie I have seen some here for 70-80 bucks but in the last few weeks i have found so many different prices for the exact same kit. I actually got mine for 35 bucks and the place i got it from has a shop on ebay they sell everything pretty cheap so might be worth having a look. You might pay 10 for postage or something but still saves you a bit of cash. ill try find the store and send you the link when i do.