Do I need API GH & KH Freshwater Test Kit?

I have a five gallon tank that's been running for almost a month. Right now I have one Nerite snail and an Anubias plant but soon I'll be adding two more plants and a dwarf shrimp. I have the API Freshwater Master Test Kit..Do I also need to purchase the API GH & KH Test Kit?

API® GH & KH Freshwater Aquarium Test Kit | fish Water Quality Testers | PetSmart

 

Let's put it this way: Should at any point the shrimp get problems for example with shedding their shells, you will want to know the GH.

For the time being test strips are good enough to determine roughly how hard/soft your water is. But don't get the API test strips, they are (purposefully) bad quality. Also only take Tetra if necessary. Sera, JBL or even the store brand of Aquarium Co-op (I never thought I would ever say that...) are fine though. Still a bit succeptible to user-error but better quality.

You can also look up the water analysis of your water provider, they should be providing it on their website. Just be aware that there you usually get the year's average, not the actual number from your tap.

 

Let's put it this way: Should at any point the shrimp get problems for example with shedding their shells, you will want to know the GH.

For the time being test strips are good enough to determine roughly how hard/soft your water is. But don't get the API test strips, they are (purposefully) bad quality. Also only take Tetra if necessary. Sera, JBL or even the store brand of Aquarium Co-op (I never thought I would ever say that...) are fine though. Still a bit succeptible to user-error but better quality.

You can also look up the water analysis of your water provider, they should be providing it on their website. Just be aware that there you usually get the year's average, not the actual number from your tap.

I know to not purchase the test strips but I meant the API GH KH Test Kit that comes with two testing solution bottles, two glass tubes, and a color card. It's from PetSmart but it doesn't have reviews.

API® GH & KH Freshwater Aquarium Test Kit | fish Water Quality Testers | PetSmart

 

I know the kit exists (we don't have API in my country, thankfully), I was just giving you a hint for a less expensive alternative, because I don't see any necessity for the drip test kit, which you will likely (speaking from experience) only need to use once before it expires. Test strips are a general nice-to-have and usually quite inexpensive.

Edit: In other words - I'm trying to save you money.

 

I know the kit exists (we don't have API in my country, thankfully), I was just giving you a hint for a less expensive alternative, because I don't see any necessity for the drip test kit, which you will likely (speaking from experience) only need to use once before it expires. Test strips are a general nice-to-have and usually quite inexpensive.

Edit: In other words - I'm trying to save you money.

Thanks! I'll check out your suggestions.

 

Assuming you're on town water, I agree it might be a waste of money to buy a liquid test kit. If you can't find any details from your water supplier just ask at your LFS if you have a reputable one in your town. Even if they don't know the exact KH/GH they will at least know if it's usually hard or soft. If they say it's quite soft and you're keeping inverts it would be a good idea to buy a test kit.

 

If your city has consistent water then id just look at the water reports