Test Kit

[sam-starbo]

What test kit do you recomend. Im new to this fish keeping. So far i have set the tank up and let it run. Then after two days i added some live plants and a piece of bog wood. Its only a 30L tank, thought it was best i started with something small. It has an U.G. filter and a 55w heater. What do my test results need to show before i can add my first fish. The temp is set at 26 degrees C.

thanks in advance for any help!

sam

 

[Eveshammoo]

I've got a nutrafin kit that contains tests for nitrate, nitrite, ph and ammonia. It was about £11 and has been fine. The booklets that come with the kit give the recommended levels. If you are in any doubt, take water to the place you are going to buy the fish from and get them to test it and explain to you how to use the tests.

Good luck

 

[sam-starbo]

Ok thanks for that. Anyone else have any other sugestions?

 

[blue_soda025]

I'd recommend the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kits.

 

[SuperColey1]

YEAH mines an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals one.
really easy to use.
Easy to understand booklet
and no mess at all
The box even doubles as a test tube rack

 

[sam-starbo]

Ok i will look into one of these kits at my lfs. When should i think about adding my first, or fist two fish?

 

[BigC]

I use electronic equipment.
backed up by Hagen test kits below.

General Hardness Test Kit ( Hagen )
Will test for Carbonate hardness and general Hardness comonly refered to as KH/GH.
&
Ph Wide Range Test Kit ( Hagen )
Will test in the range 4.5 - 9.0 and will do 100 tests.

See
http/www.aquatics-warehouse.co.uk/acatal...HAGENS_163.html
for more details
Regards
BigC

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

You should look into fishless cycling to properly prepare the tank before you add any fish. It's worth the wait, saves on fish loss/stress. Good luck!

 

[sussexgirl]

Ok i will look into one of these kits at my lfs. When should i think about adding my first, or fist two fish?

I cycled with 4 platys which I introduced a week after my tank had been set up. I didn't 'choose' to do it this way, at that stage I had never even heard of fishless cycling! I know a load of people on here would choose the fishless option and it is by far the best method for fish and afterall, you've chosen to become a fishkeeper because you're interested in fish and their welfare. The only thing I would say is that if you do choose to cycle with fish, use an API Master test Kit (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) and as soon as you get rises in amonia start doing daily water changes to keep the levels down. It's a lot more hard work than fishless cycling and your fish may not have the longevity of fish that have been introduced into a healthy cycled tank. Also, I wouldn't add anymore companions for your 'cycling fish' until the tank is fully cycled.

 

[Sambo]

What test kit do you recomend. Im new to this fish keeping. So far i have set the tank up and let it run. Then after two days i added some live plants and a piece of bog wood. Its only a 30L tank, thought it was best i started with something small. It has an U.G. filter and a 55w heater. What do my test results need to show before i can add my first fish. The temp is set at 26 degrees C.

thanks in advance for any help!

sam

I think the Tetra tests kits are always good

http/www.tropicalfish4u.co.uk/acatalog/c..._Test_Kits.html