Test kits

[mixixe]

Hi all,

I was wondering what brand test kits you guys have used and like.

I am planning to get a new test kit set soon.

Jen

[hp10BII]

I bought the Hagen Master Test kit a few years back but it may have more tests than what you need. It worked out the same price as if I bought the main reagents (3 nitrogens, ph low/hi, KH, GH) individually. It comes with a handy hard sided plastic case and built in test tube holders. When the reagents are used up/expired I simply buy new ones.

It's o.k., does the job. IIRC, best prices were at King Ed's & J&L. Aquarium Pharamaceuticals are supposed to be decent test kits too, I've only used their Ammonia tests.

[mixixe]

I'm using the Hagen now and I'm not sure if i like them. When I do my PH test now I can't tell what color turns out. sometimes it's green sometimes it's purple, which isn't on the chart. Maybe its' expired, but I might try AP then.

[Pamelajo]

I have the AP kit and like it. It has ph high and low. ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests in it.

[Melody]

I still can't find mine :laugh:

[CACAdmin]

The only test kit I've ever used is an AP pH Test Kit. It tends to sit in the cupboard as these days I only use the '5 in 1' test strips (wither Jungle or Mardel) and a in-tank ammonia monitor.

The pH test kit is more precise IMO than the test strips. However, the test strips are quick and easy. As for brand of test strips, I tend to buy either (whichever is available or most economical) with having found both brands give equally good results.

[mixixe]

So test strips you just dip and look at what color turns out?? I've been trying to raise the ph in one of my tanks but no luck, but the ph reading maybe be inaccurate too. I think this test kit i'm using now has been around for a year. I'ts almost finished anyway. Anyone know how long they last?

[CACAdmin]

I just checked my test kit for an expiry date and found none.:confused: . Test strips I recently bought have an expiry date of Aug 2008. (& yes, they are the ones you dip in and check the color). BTW your KH has to be at least 120 ppm to be able to get an accurate pH rating when you test.

[hp10BII]

I read somewhere that reagents are good for a year from the date they've been opened. That doesn't explain why I'm still using 3 year old reagents. :no:

[CACAdmin]

You're using 3 yr. old reagents because everybody is healthy & happy and they seem to be giving you accurate results!...lol I think it comes down to a budget thing. Less money on reagents... more money to spend on fish! ;) That said, does anyone have anything concrete as to how long the reagents are good for? It would be good to know.

[mixixe]

I can't find any expiry dates either. My KH is 15 degrees, I don't know how many ppm's that is.

[CACAdmin]

You multiply degrees x 17.9 to get ppm so in your case your KH is 268.5 ppm. which you give you an accurate pH reading.

[mixixe]

I got a new test kit yesterday and tested my PH again and I think the test was expired b/c my PH went from 7.7 - 8.0 which makes more sense. However, I didn't get the AP as I was getting a couple of things and I had to cheap out a bit, even if it was only 4 dollars difference. But I got the tetramin one. I should just wait till boxing day as it's only a couple of days away but I'm not sure I can get up in time :SLEEP:

[hp10BII]

I got a new test kit yesterday and tested my PH again and I think the test was expired b/c my PH went from 7.7 - 8.0 which makes more sense. However, I didn't get the AP as I was getting a couple of things and I had to cheap out a bit, even if it was only 4 dollars difference. But I got the tetramin one. I should just wait till boxing day as it's only a couple of days away but I'm not sure I can get up in time :SLEEP:

lol...next year when the kit expires, go to a store that has a boxing week sale. Test kits are not big sellers (wonder why?) so you can go in at your leisure after your beauty rest.

[Melody]

I know it doesn't matter now but I'm just so proud of myself for finally finding mine....lol....its a Nutrafin - Nitrite, Ammonia, KH, GH & pH 6.0-8.6. Amazing what one can find when they are getting ready for a move.

[Jonesy]

gotta say AP all the way

[thegrandpoohbah]

LOL @ Melody!

Whatever you do, don't get the strips. IME, they do not give very accurate results. I have been using the Hagen and I'm very happy with it although I do agree that pH can be hard to read sometimes. I picked up the Hagen master test kit on boxing day.