I use liquid but some tests are hard to tell exactly what the measurement is. are the strips easier and more accurate?
2006-08-21 06:39:41 · 5 answers · asked by Santa 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Liquid tests are more accurate if done right, but you really don't need to be very exact for most fish. A 2 pH difference isn't going to be lethal, or even harmful if you were in a healthy range already. Ammonia should near undetectable levels in a healthy tank. Nitrates levels should be watched, but you've got a big amount of slack here. (Also if you have a lot of plants a little nitrate is a good thing.) Depending on who you talk to 20-40 PPM is the healthy limit. I find testing nitrite levels to be a bit pointless as my ammonia and/or nitrate levels are generally an issue as well. As long as you are removing enough water to deal with ammonia, and nitrates you are fine.
2006-08-21 08:56:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The strips are easier in that you only have to dip a piece of paper in your tank water, but:
a) Sometimes it's just as difficult to tell the colors apart on them as with the liquid testers and,
b) They are not nearly as accurate as the liquid testers.
The liquid measurements are a little more difficult to use, depending on what brand you use. I, personally, use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Kit for freshwater, because I've never had a problem getting accurate readings. When cycling a tank, it's a bit difficult to tell the 0.25ppm and the 0.5ppm ammonia apart, but otherwise, I've never had any problems with it. Just hold the tube against the color chart, and see which is closest.
2006-08-21 07:42:26 · answer #2 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the strips are far less accurate, but I still use them from time to time to check the levels on the fly. I use the liquid after water changes and I double check at the pet store ever 3 months or so.
2006-08-21 09:14:22 · answer #3 · answered by skippy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The liquids are not as easy, but, IMHO they are more accurate. The exact measurement is not as important as knowing that the water is nearing a high level of any of those toxins.
Do your regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes and you should always read in the good colors. If your tank is crowded, you will need to change more than 30% a week. Never change 100%!!!
2006-08-21 06:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
liquid is more accurate
2006-08-21 06:48:33 · answer #5 · answered by donjrjrjr2929 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋