markedblue83

I hope i am posting this under the correct thread, if not i apologize.

I am new to having an aquarium (28 g) . i was just curious if any one could recommend an effective (yet reasonably priced) test kit? I was looking at these test strips at walmart- they are 5 in 1...are these accurate? IF not, what is a good suggestion? My local retail options are walmart and petsmart. Thanks for your help!

sgould

Test strips are not accurate. You want to look for a liquid test kit. The one that is most often mentioned here, and is the one I use, is the API Masterkit (available in a freshwater and a saltwater version). The kit includes tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. From a local store, the master kit probably runs $30-35. Online, you can order it for $15-20, plus shipping. I know Petsmart carries the kit...not sure about walmart.

d0ggiem0mma

I tried the test strips and everyone here is right- they suck. The strips said I had 20ppm Nitrate in my water which is NOT good, but the API kit said there was only 5ppm! Stick with the API kit, it's more accurate and it's cheaper in the long run because it contains more test material than the strips!

Gunnie

The AP master test kit is the way to go! Find the kit online on the PetSmart website and print the page showing the online price. Take it to your local PetSmart and they should honor the online price. You will probably get it for half the cost this way.