whats a good brand kit to test your water ?

Question

for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, ph, etc... if im missing anything please tell me. and could you give me the brand and maybe a link to a picture of it if possible? how often do i check all of the things? any other info on water levels and so on please add if possible! thank you all so much! your info is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

API makes a good master test kit as do several other companies. Hach is considered to be the industry leader, but you will pay for the name and quality. The main thing to remember is to avoid test strips and sticks. Always go with the liquid style kits, they are far more accurate.

You lited the major things you will want to be able to test, but having a kit for GH and KH (hardness levels) will also be a good idea.

As for the levels you want to see, Ammonia, nitrite should both be 0, nitrate should be below about 40-50. The hardness and pH depend on what type of fish you are keeping, bu the majority of fish will do fine in a very wide range of pH and hardness so unless you are keeping deliciate and demanding fish you are better off not trying to adjust those conditions.

MM

Answer 2

I use API test kits. When the tank is cycling, check the ammonia and nitrite. Once the tank has finished cycling your ammonia and nitrite should be 0ppm and you will start to see nitrate. You'll want to get test kits for all three of these.

pH is another test I'd get, but the levels you want are going to depend on what fish you have. For example, african cichlids like a pH of about 8 while tetras like a pH of about 6.5-7. GH and KH will test for hardness and the buffering capacity of your water. If you get the master test kit it should cover all of that. I like the master kit but it's not essential.

When estabilshing a tank I test the ammonia and nitrite every week. Once it's established I test about every month, unless I'm doing something to change the water. It's also a good idea to test your tap water (let it sit out 24 hrs before testing) so you know the pH and hardness of your water, it can help you decide what fish to get.

Answer 3

i like salifert test kits my self, but i also used hagan for a while. check pH, ammonia (0), nitrite(0), nitrate( under 60 or so) weekly. have a thermometer in the tank, not those stick on types but a plastic or digital one for tanks. pH depemds on your fish but 6.5-7.5 is usually fine for most community fish. just try for stablility, and do those weekly or biweekly water changes

Answer 4

i have an all in one strip that tests all important chemicals and hardness of the water. they are Tetra brand Easy Strips, and come with a chart on the side of the container for easy reading

Answer 5

Anyone that uses reagents rather than dip sticks...
I prefer API, but Tetra and Hagen have good ones too.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/23825/category.web

Answer 6

Hey if you take a sample of your water (in anything) to Petsmart they will test it for you for free. That's what I do weekly.