lyndatu

Hello

We were looking for aquarium test kits, but there are none and only individual testers. One tester is very expensive, and we'll be needing two(ammonia and nitrite tester) because we are going to perform the cycle......................but I was wondering......can I just get the Nitrite tester? It would save us a lot of money. We're quite low on money today.......

If I get only a Nitrite tester, it can also indicate me the ammonia's existance. If I test the water and the nitrite is there, it means that ammonia-nitrifying bacteria is at work and there's no ammonia anymore so all I have to do is to wait for the nitrite to go to zero and now the cycle is finished.

Is this ok?

Thanks in advance!

armadillo

Hiya

Am afraid the nitrite tester is not enough. The most regularly used in established tanks is nitrate. But you really need nitrite and ammonia tests to find out what causes any future problems (could be a mini cycle. Happens a lot. Then you don't treat with meds but with a large water change). Oh, and a pH one is also required.

capekate

Hi There,
I agree with Armadillo. Even tho the initial cost for the API tester kit may be a bit expensive, it is necessary in the cycle process to be able to record all readings. The test kit lasts a long time btw. I have not seen the nitrite test kit alone, but it may be out there. I always see the ammonia and the nitrate alone.
Good luck with your tank.

~ kate

sgould

While you can buy the nitrite test seperately, I agree with the others...you should have an ammonia test as well. The pressense of nitrite does not mean that your tank is free of ammonia. During the cycle, there will be a period of time that you will have both at the same time.

jsalemi

The master kit is cheaper online (only $19.99 at DFS). If you want to get it locally at PetSmart, print out their web price (http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...amily&keepsr=1) and bring it with you -- the store will match it (or should), and you'll save at least $7 on it.

lyndatu

thanks for the help all really appreciate it!

I'm going to look for more cheaper testers in the stores!

Oh, and jsalemi: That sounds good..............I see some VERY cheaper test kits at the online stores, but I'm afraid the shipping price is very high because we live here at the Philippines..............but your idea..................does it mean that, I will print the price from the internet, then go to a local fish shop, then if they have the same brand of test kit that I printed from the internet and show it to them, they will lower the price? Am I correct? If not, please give me more info about it. Thanks!

jsalemi

Oh, hmm, well maybe -- I was talking about a specific chain here in the US. Some LFS may match internet prices. It doesn't hurt to ask, I guess.

susitna-flower

Since this is about the #1 piece of equipment to keep a tank healthy, I would buy the API Master test kit, even if it does cost a lot for shipping.