Api Test Kit

[Lizzie71]

As I am just starting out with fishkeeping, I ordered an API test kit from a seller on ebay. It's a 5 in 1 kit of test strips. I know it's probably my own fault for not reading the description properly, but on closer inspection I find it tests for everything except ammonia

Does that mean it's totally useless? If so that's a waste of £8

 

[Blaine]

The liquid test kits are much better

i learned that after i bought the test strips

think i paid £15 for a liquid test kit from pets at home and i have got a lot more tests out of it

 

[shockshockshad]

Blaine is right. No matter the quality of the test strips, when they touch air (well actually humidity) they start to change colors, which isn't accurate. I tested my water with strips and got a pH of 8 or more. When I used the liquid API, I got 7.5, which is way more accurate.

 

[Blaine]

best money you will spend

 

[Musho3210]

I just dont test, it gives either false hope or makes you paranoid.

 

[TigerLotus]

I to would also reccomend that you get liquid test kit instead. Test stips are known to give inaccurate reading as well as sold expired. What you have now I wouldn't call useless, but you may not get the right readings.
I dont know were your from but in the USA, well at least in Cali they sell liquid test kits for 25 - 50 dollars. Usally the more expensive the more the kit includes to test.

For now if you cant get liquid, take you water to local fish store to see if the water readings match up. And get the ammoina test kit in liquid(they sell them indiviually as well) from the shop.

Good Luck

Oh and check the box when you get them and make sure they arent expired. I once ordered a test kit online and was getting a wacky reading. I finally turned the box over and saw that the kit expired two years prior.

 

[rdd1952]

I wouldn't say it's totally useless but they are terribly inaccurate and more expensive than liquid too. And the one thing that has always stumped me about the 5 in 1 strips is that they don't have an ammonia test on them and that is probably THE #1 thing you need to test for. The GH and KH tests are pretty much a waste. You could go forever without knowing the readings on those 2 and never have a problem.

 

[Musho3210]

yeah, if you perform regular maintenance your Gh and KH shouldnt change if your source water stays the same.