What Test Kit For A Beginner?

[jarthel]

I am thinking of getting API's master test kit because it seems it has everything that I need. Any suggestions on what to get?

Thank you

 

[fatheadminnow]

API Fresh water master test kit, or the Nutrafin mini test kit.

-FHM

 

[rebrn]

Hello, most people on here use/recommend the API master test kit. If you plan to keep live plants you will need additional tests (can't help you there don't keep live plants) the only other ones you might want to get is the GH and KH tests. They are not included with the master kit, they test for water hardness, a good thing to know when you are starting out, also if you run into problems down the line.

 

[jarthel]

thanks everyone.

 

[Truck]

I wouldn't go API personally, the majority of hobby test kits are grossly inaccurate, small changes in humidity and temperature can throw them out, I have however found a persistent performer- saliferts, you can buy the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and PH test kits for the same price as the API one, and you get the added bonus of better accuracy.

 

[rebrn]

That is true about salifert being the same price if you are in the UK. But in the US salifert tests are significantly more money. I have never used them, but I have been told that they are quite a bit more accurate, however, $20-30 for one ammonia kit, is just a little out of my price range, the API master kit has everything I need for the same price as just the ammonia salifert kit. So if you are in the US and wanting nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and pH kits from salifert, you are looking at roughly $80-120, unless you can find them on sale which is rare. You can find salifert cheaper on ebay, but usually they are shipped from the UK so the increased shipping costs negate the savings on the kit price. Also, unless you buy on line, salifert tests are hard to find.


If you are in the UK yep, go for salifert, but if you are in the US, stick with the API or the Nutrafin (hagen) kits.