how much faith do you put in the dip stick aquarium test
2006-09-21 06:42:06 · 8 answers · asked by james j 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
They're trash! I keep African cichlids and I used the strips since I need a full test range and it registered my ph at 7.2 when 2 other liqiud tests had it at 7.8-8.0 AND the strips the fish store used had it reading 8.5+ (darker than the highest reading). If the ph part can be that unreliable, how can you trust the rest of the readings?
2006-09-21 20:40:25 · answer #1 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got test strips by Mardel and they're not very accurate. They never match the results when I bring water samples into the pet store, and only sometimes match the regular test kits I have. I'd stick with the normal tests.
2006-09-21 14:00:03 · answer #2 · answered by Vlad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are okay. They will show large changes in nitrates, and nitrites. It's really not important if your tank has 30 ppm, or 50ppm nitrates. You should still be changing out water. As far as pH and hardness they are okay, but I'm not sure why I need to constantly be checking my hardness or pH. Unless you got really soft water you only need to watch your pH when you make major water changes.
2006-09-21 19:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Vlad. Ask your pet store to show you how accutrate it is by doing a comparison test before you buy
A
2006-09-21 14:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They work ... make sure it has nitrate, nitrite, hardness, alkalinity and pH. Then buy a separate one for ammonia and your are all set.
2006-09-21 15:13:27 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Ph.D and you expect me to answer questions about dip sticks? Oh please
2006-09-21 13:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
lots, they do work or they would not be sold?
2006-09-21 13:55:04 · answer #7 · answered by pieman_21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ots
2006-09-21 13:45:46 · answer #8 · answered by The Foosaaaah 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋