Should i keep test strips or upgrade to API master Test Kit

So I've got 2 new tanks, my main tank a Roma 200 and an AquaVue 580 which is my quarantine tank. I don't know if I should get the api master test kit for accurate readings or keep my test strips that are cheap and pretty accurate (i hope), my test strips dont do amonia.

 

I certainly recommend the API master test kit.

 

I say do whatever you like. There was a time people didn't use either and kept fish just fine.

once the tank is cycled, and you are doign your regular water changes, you just need to know frequency of water changes by nitrate buildup over time. otherwise the tests are pretty useless and unneeded once you figure out how long you can hold between water changes. even then, nitrates aren't a killer. So, I'd say whatever it is, buy enough for like 2 months. after that you wont' really need it.

 

I say do whatever you like. There was a time people didn't use either and kept fish just fine.

once the tank is cycled, and you are doign your regular water changes, you just need to know frequency of water changes by nitrate buildup over time. otherwise the tests are pretty useless and unneeded once you figure out how long you can hold between water changes. even then, nitrates aren't a killer. So, I'd say whatever it is, buy enough for like 2 months. after that you wont' really need it.

Ok

 

I respectfully disagree with only needing it for 2 months. Water supplies can change, you could have a mini cycle, you may run into an unforseen issue. I'd always keep a non expired master kit on hand just in case.

 

I respectfully disagree with only needing it for 2 months. Water supplies can change, you could have a mini cycle, you may run into an unforseen issue. I'd always keep a non expired master kit on hand just in case.

Ok Ty

 

I suppose it just depends on the level of fish keeping you want to achieve. You hear folk that never test and have no fish deaths , folk that test daily and have lots or visa versa.

personally , if I feel somethings off I want to test reliably. I currently have the api master but it doesn’t test for everything I need to know ( not that I’d test all the time but I’d like to know ). I also keep shrimp so I feel testing is vital. When I finish my api kit I’ll be upgrading to a more expensive kit.

I understand why folk say after you’re cycled it’s not as important , but if you’re relatively new to fish keeping it can be very helpful to know what’s going on. It can also help you to manage your wc’s, although I’m a firm weekly water changer.

If you have the test strips bought already then use them up first , then decide.

 

I suppose it just depends on the level of fish keeping you want to achieve. You hear folk that never test and have no fish deaths , folk that test daily and have lots or visa versa.

personally , if I feel somethings off I want to test reliably. I currently have the api master but it doesn’t test for everything I need to know ( not that I’d test all the time but I’d like to know ). I also keep shrimp so I feel testing is vital. When I finish my api kit I’ll be upgrading to a more expensive kit.

I understand why folk say after you’re cycled it’s not as important , but if you’re relatively new to fish keeping it can be very helpful to know what’s going on. It can also help you to manage your wc’s, although I’m a firm weekly water changer.

If you have the test strips bought already then use them up first , then decide.

Thanks, I’ll use my test stops atm and I can also take my water to be tested at pets at home so tysm

 

Thanks, I’ll use my test stops atm and I can also take my water to be tested at pets at home so tysm

You could also keep the strips after you get a test kit for fly by tests. Dip n Go kind of thing if you suspect something is wrong. Just remember strips can go bad after awhile too. Like if they get humidity in the summer stuff like that.

 

Great info! Thanks

 

There’s many ways of fish keeping. If you’re educated and doing your water changes whose to say it’s wrong ! Like anything , experience helps , but how do you get that experience to start with ? We’ve all started at the bottom and made mistakes at least you’re testing ! Many years ago when I started I didn’t test for anything ( or even know what a nitrate / kh ) test was.

Im happy to say I’m still learning !

 

I would get liuid test kits now, and you can use one one week, the other next time compare. Salifert Liquid test kits are easier to read and use then API. In my opinion. you might want to consider that brand.

 

The API strips don’t have an ammonia test.
Without that you can’t test if the cycle is fully functional?

As ammonia is THE test I use most often I would say get it separate or get the master kit instead. Its always convenient to use the paper strips but personally I feel smashing out a 5 minute water change is better use of your time. Sure test the waste water if you are not certain about something?

Watersplasher909 it is my opinion you don’t need to worry about having an accurate test.

Any ammonia no matter what number means the cycle is not working correctly and a water change is necessary.

Any nitrites no matter what number means the cycle is not working correctly and a water change is the only solution .

Any amount of nitrates is a good sign . Somewhere up to or around 40 ppm is ok before normal water change day.

PH is what it is. Don’t worry about that unless your fish are dead.


If you are the kind of person that likes to write down the numbers daily for some kind of record keeping in my opinion the paper tests are just as accurate if stored in a sealed container. But not having an ammonia test is still the issue. Shop tests are not an accurate way of getting results. They will however be useful.

 

I suppose it just depends on the level of fish keeping you want to achieve. You hear folk that never test and have no fish deaths , folk that test daily and have lots or visa versa.

personally , if I feel somethings off I want to test reliably. I currently have the api master but it doesn’t test for everything I need to know ( not that I’d test all the time but I’d like to know ). I also keep shrimp so I feel testing is vital. When I finish my api kit I’ll be upgrading to a more expensive kit.

I understand why folk say after you’re cycled it’s not as important , but if you’re relatively new to fish keeping it can be very helpful to know what’s going on. It can also help you to manage your wc’s, although I’m a firm weekly water changer.

If you have the test strips bought already then use them up first , then decide.

Lots of good information here. As per my introduction about not having an aquarium for about 60 years and now getting back into the hobby , I do recall problems and loosing fish back then but they were inexpensive to buy and replace . There was no internet and forums like this back then and a whole lot of guess work . I actually have an API kit out for delivery from amazon as I am typing this message . Hopefully it will help me to keep my fish happy and healthy because they are getting quite expensive to replace nowadays. I have watched one video beforehand how to use the kit and will be referring back to this thread for further information .

 

it's all the same really. one is as good as another, if you feel like playing scientist, the testtubes of the mater kit are pretty neat, but none of the tests are exact enough. it's all a personal preference thing.

 

I will say you are going to want to shake the nitrate number 2 test until you feel ridiculous … then shake it some more

happy testing !