Test Kits??

Question

My 55 gallon tank has been set up for about a month. The first two weeks it cycled with no fish, and for the last two and a half weeks it has been cycling with zebra danios. They are doing great, but my ammonia level has been hanging around .5. My question isn't so much about bringing the ammonia down (I know my tank is still cycling), but about test kits. I decided to search through the old questions on here to see what some people have recommended for ammonia adjustment and I came across a question that dealt with test kits. Then searching for just test kit questions only produced two questions out of the 150 I looked at, so I'm going to ask it to get everyone's updated opinion.

What are the best test kits to use in aquariums?

I am looking for the best in ease of use, accuracy, shelf life, etc. I currently use a test kit from Petsmart. I can't remember the name off hand (it starts with an M...like Marcin or Maracin...something like that). Test strips.

Just an update: It is Mardel test strips I am using and they seem to be alright, but when I run out, I may go with the liquid tests to see how those work. Eventually I may have both on hand just in case I need to do quick tests or thorough tests. Thanks to everybody who has answered already. I'm going to keep this question open a little longer, to see if anybody else wants to answer.

As for the bacteria supplement, I was always under the impression that it was a waste of money.

Answer 1

Sounds like your test strips are by Mardel. They're okay for a rough guess, but liquid kits are better - more accurate and more tests in the long run, so it makes up for the seemingly higher price.

I use the API kits that something fishy's link shows. They make master kits for freshwater, marine, and reef tanks. Easy to do, easy to read. There's a booklet that will help you interpret your results. Just be careful when you use a liquid test kit that you mix the contents thoroughly if needed and hold the bottle perfectly vertical to ensure that drops are consistent in size and the proper amount.

Meters are the top of the line - but you'll need to calibrate these periodically and a bit expensive. On the positive side, they will give an unlimited number of tests and probably have the highest accuracy.

Answer 2

Me too. I use the same as Copperhead here, but I also use test strips daily.on some of my tanks. (I do this as a quick check but also to ensure I am reading the liquid tests correctly) As Copperhead mentioned the Master kits do make testing the water and reading the results easy. However since you are new, once you get your test kit, whichever you choose, I suggest testing your water, write down your results take another sample of water to your trusted fish store and have them test the water. Compair the two readings. Some liquid test kits are more difficult to read, or get use to reading. Not only that but as was mentioned, a certain number of drops are required for testing. Making sure they are the same size drops makes a difference.

Test strips are inexpensive and are always a good quick or back up test.

Good luck

Answer 3

Strips aren't as reliable as reagents and vials like this kit...
http://www.aquariumpharm.com/en_us/productCategory.asp?categoryname=TestKits
The Master Freshwater kit is a bargain at Petsmart, be sure to print out the online price and have them price match in the store.
The tank is cycling slowly because without fish, there was no waste to start the cycle with. A couple of danios don't generate enough bio-load to cycle quickly.
You might want to help them with Stress Zyme http://www.aquariumpharm.com/en_us/productCategory.asp?categoryname=WaterConditioners
or Cycle http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=121&PROD_ID=01076100020101
which contain millions of bacteria spores that are dormant and awaiting a food source (fish waste). This should shorten cycling time by about 1/3. If appears Petsmart also has a bacteria supplement which I suspect is made by Aq. Pharm too.

Answer 4

Congratulations on the proper set up of your 55 gallon tank.
Again I go w/ the crowd on the drops for the most accurate testing. I do use the strips if something just doesn't look right.
I have 12 fish aquariums and I do use CYCLE for nitrifying bacteria. I have used it for years and have had phenomenal good luck w/ fish health and longevity.
P.S>If the strip doesn't test out then I use the more time consuming liquid drops.

Answer 5

I prefer the drop test over the strips as they are more accurate than the strips. Though the strips I think have the longer shelf life. But they are both easier to use. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I would buy a master test kit with the test tubes and drops from petsmart and it will test for everything and cost you less money than buying individual strips, etc.

Answer 7

The liquid test kits are more accurate (and slightly more expensive) but you can test for lots of things like , hardness, ph, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, etc. The Drsfostersmith.com has more information on test kits but you can buy them anywhere.

Answer 8

I'm with most of the rest, get the liquid based test kit, much better results and way cheaper in the long run.

MM

Answer 9

i think the product your talking about is mardell test strips, they seem to work pretty well for me, so does jungle brand. much easier than the drop tests

Answer 10

I have always used the drop test, they don't get contaminated or ruined from humidity like the strips can.

This is the one I bought, http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/productInfo.web?picGroupKey=11343
but this one is good too, http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/productInfo.web?picGroupKey=11391