I’m curious as to how everyone knows that it’s the strips that are the inaccurate one, for all we know the liquid test kit could be wrong. I mean, nobody even mentions how the leaking caps all over your hands might be effecting the outcome.
You have a very valid point there, If the test is not done right its inaccurate.
I would like everybody reading this that uses the API master freshwater test kit to watch this video.
Now how many of you were doing it right? I will be the first to admit I was doing it wrong.
I simply don’t have the energy to do all the unnecessary shaking for the nitrate test.
I have not tested my 6 foot tank ( the one in my signature ) for anything in over a year, the 2 footer hasn't been tested in over 3 months, My tanks are heavily planted, under stocked, not over fed, have no algae problems so I cant see the point, I do however test the water I put in at water change day, All my tanks get 75% or more water changes every Saturday morning with water I prepared on Friday, the water is also pre heated to match the water in the tank.
I also service my filters weekly.
My tanks always read zero for ammonia nitrite and nitrate, I once had a 5 for nitrate but that was after 2 weeks without a water change and the death of a small mystery snail.