Prince Powder

As many of us know, the API Master test kit is one of the best and definitely the most recommended testing kit on the market. At around 30 dollars it is also pretty pricey, particularly for most new fish keepers who never even knew they would need something like this. Think about it, it is a pretty big expense to tell newbies they NEED to get this, even though they really do need to get one. I started looking around to see if there was a cheaper yet comparable alternative to the API Master Kit. Whenever I'm looking to find something cheaper than what it is commonly sold in other stores my first stop is always walmart.

You'll never guess what I found! Freshwater Master Test Kit Look familiar? If you read the reviews this IS the API Master Test Kit, just repackaged as a no name and at about HALF the average price! I wish I would have seen this a few months ago when I needed to buy a kit myself, but I know where I'll be pointing the newbies to from now on!

Raamiah

wow. That is a great price difference. Way to find that!

Melissawater

Wow thanks for the listing!

domingo3

Darn, it's out of stock online. Thanks for the find, though.

domingo3

Never mind. The API kit is back in stock. I ordered one site to store, so it should be ready for pickup about when my tank is cycled (hopefully)

aquarist48

Hello Domingo3,
The Tetra Lab test kit does not contain a test for Nitrates. Other than that, it's a good kit. I used it for many years. However, I like the API Master Test Kit much better.
Ken

domingo3

Just another endorsement for this kit. I ordered from walmart.com on Saturday and got it shipped site to store (which claimed it would take 21 days or so). It was send FedEx to the store and it was ready for pickup on Tuesday. None of my other site to store experiences have been this fast, or given me a fedex tracking number. I don't know if they always do that with this kit, or if I got lucky somehow. Anyway, I got the think in 3 days for less than $20.

Oh, and the one I got wasn't repackaged. It may not have said API on the website, but the kit I got says API on it.

Tana

Thanks for the information and what I will get, however I noticed from the link that it doesn't have a test for nitrates which is why it might be less in cost. Did yours include one or no?

David C

I noticed the link information said it included no nitrate test bottles but under the reviews, people said it does contain one. Odd the company information is less accurate. Otherwise, it seems like a good deal. You can get the kit from other online sites for ~$22 or so.

Dave

domingo3

I hadn't noticed, but the description is totally wrong compared to what I received. There is no test for GH or KH, but there are tests for

- pH
- High Range pH
- ammonia
- nitrite
- Nitrate

I ordered using the link in the first post here.

Tana

I guess I should have scrolled down further. Thanks for pointing that out Dave!!

Tana

I guess whoever orders that from them is at their mercy on what they want to include in the kit? That kind of makes it less attractive if you have to buy the additional tests.

domingo3

Well, it seems that everyone has been getting the API Master Test kit. You can always return it if it's not what you expected. If you do site to store, you're not out anything but a little hassle to drive to the store and look at it.

eiginh

Yes you can substitute it with that kit but it does not come with a nitrate solution. You will need to buy a separate api nitrate solution. It also doesn't last as long as the API master kit. One thing I did like about it is the syringe that came with it as well as the KH and GH solutions that aren't found in the api master test kit but found in the api professional master test kit which cost tons more.

I bought my API master kit which only included nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ph, high range ph solutions from amazon for 23 bucks including the shipping.

domingo3

Thanks for the reply. I'll stick with the kit from walmart that is the API master test kit. Hopefully it lasts me for a good while.

Shawnie

IMO filtration and test kits are not something we should be looking for cheaper....those are important parts of fish keeping and if something goes wrong with one of those two, or you get the "cheaper" one because its suppose to be as good, and something goes wrong, it can be a major issue that will cost you more in the long run to fix....but again, thats how I feel

domingo3

I'm talking about paying less money for THE API Master test kit...Walmart just sells it for less.

wonton55912

i kinda think this should be stickied