What tests to buy?

Hello! I was wondering what cheap tests you guys use to test your water? I've seen the API master kit, but seems a tad expensive, so wondering if anyone had cheaper stuff they use. Thanks for your help!

 

It seems expensive at first, but it lasts a long time and is cheaper than strips in the long run. You can get it cheaper on Amazon than the pet stores. More accurate too.

 

It seems expensive at first, but it lasts a long time and is cheaper than strips in the long run. You can get it cheaper on Amazon than the pet stores. More accurate too.

Thanks. It's currently $23 on Amazon.

 

In my humble opinion the master test kit is the least expensive way to go. I know up front cost can seem a tad expensive but if bought through amazon it is often less than $25.00. The thing is, it will last for a very long time. I am still using the one I bought about 4 years ago. I have had to buy more nitrate testing solution but I still have plenty of the others.

 

Thanks. It's currently $23 on Amazon.

I believe at Petsmart and Pet Supplies Plus its usually $35.99......

 

I believe at Petsmart and Pet Supplies Plus its usually $35.99......

Wow! Okay.

 

If you get the test kit you can do twice as many test with the ammonia and nitrate solution. It takes 8 drops from each of 2 bottles for the ammonia test and 10 drops from each of 2 bottles for the nitrate test. You can cut those numbers in half by just adding 2.5 mls of water to the test tube instead of 5 mls. I tested it out and I get the same reading whether I test 2.5 mls or 5 mls.

When it comes to PH and nitrites I use the full amount of water and drops since it takes a lot less of the testing solution to run those tests.

 

If you get the test kit you can do twice as many test with the ammonia and nitrate solution. It takes 8 drops from each of 2 bottles for the ammonia test and 10 drops from each of 2 bottles for the nitrate test. You can cut those numbers in half by just adding 2.5 mls of water to the test tube instead of 5 mls. I tested it out and I get the same reading whether I test 2.5 mls or 5 mls.

When it comes to PH and nitrites I use the full amount of water and drops since it takes a lot less of the testing solution to run those tests.

Thanks. When I do get it, would you mind (if I can't figure it out) if I ask you some questions? It looks a
little confusing

 

Thanks. When I do get it, would you mind (if I can't figure it out) if I ask you some questions? It looks a
little confusing

Please feel free to either PM or tag me. I will be happy to help. I have a feeling you will understand what I am saying after you get the kit though. It will be easier to measure 2.5mls of water if you could get a small syringe.

 

Please feel free to either PM or tag me. I will be happy to help. I have a feeling you will understand what I am saying after you get the kit though.

Alright. It just looks confusing thank you!!!