MissMTS

What does everybody think of the Jungle test strips? I have the strip that tests for nitrate, nitrite, hardness, chlorine, alkalinity, and pH and then a seperate strip that tests for ammonia. The problem that I had was that the color of the patch on the ammonia strip did not match any of the colors on the key. I bought the API liquid test kit instead for my ammonia. It is working well. My other Jungle test strips have been working okay as far as I can tell. I want to know if anyone else has problems with them, because if there is a big chance that I am getting false readings I will splurge on the liquid test kits, but I didn't really want to.

0morrokh

I think most people who have used them have found test strips to be inaccurate. Personally I wouldn't take the risk, but it's up to you.

CPVFD325

Dont waste your time or more importantly, your MONEY on those test strips. Liquid tests are the way to go!!!

MissMTS

Thanks for the help guys! I went out last night and got the liquid kits. Boy does it take forever to do testing on 4 tanks at once The tests were a lot more accurate and easy to read though.

mirciulie

Boy,

I bought a strip test package a few days ago, along with some fish. I realized after using it that it's not accurate enough. Like the nitrates has 3 colors: white for 0 and pink for like 5-10 and red for high. But the colors that I get are somewhere between pink and reddish, so I gotta estimate.

I'll be getting a liquid thest one next time. Seems like everybody here likes the API. Does it have plenty samples in there? cause the strips were like only 20 of them.

AggieYen

The API kit has vials and dropper bottles. What happens is you fill the vial with tank water, and then you drop in the required amount of drops of the solution into the vial. You shake it, and then it turns colour. You'd get a lot of tests out of the API. A lot more than 20.

mirciulie

I like it if you can get a bunch of tests out of the API. can you just buy refills after that?

Tavel

I just switched from the jungle labs strips to the API test and I am so happy.

It takes FOREVER to test 3 aquariums, but the results are actually meaningful. Plus it's fun, it makes me feel like a scientist


I don't think you can get refills from API...but the reagents are pretty common and I think you can get them from chemical suppliers (like fisher scientific)...might just be cheaper to get another kit though.

d0ggiem0mma

I bought a strips kit from Mardel and it seems a lot better than this "Jungle" set you are all talking about. There are 5-6 colors for each reading. Is that specific enough or are the liquid tests even more specific?

Barbrella

I tried the Mardel test strips. Every test showed nitrates in my 20 gal of over 20ppm no matter how many times I changed the water.

I finally bit the bullet and got the API liquid kit. Now the nitrates show less than 10.

I don't trust the strips.

hssea

i've always used the strips and this weekend bought the api. i'll let you know

Gargoyle

I have always used the API master test kits. After using them for a while the lines may rub off so I bought a baby medicine dropper that measured ml. I grab 5 ml and fill the vial. After your 3rd kit you have 18 vials which makes multiple tank tests a snap..

Hope it helps ya some.

susitna-flower

It can never be said enough, The API Master test kit is the most reliable, and easy to use, over time it more than pays for itself. The best part is knowing your tank health is secure.....

d0ggiem0mma

Funny you mention the nitrates and the Mardel strips. My tap water registered at 20ppm for nitrates with those strips. I guess I'm headed to the store tomorrow for the API Master kit!