Which ammonia testing kit?

[Sunnyspots]

Hi all. I'm cycling my tank but have a problem in that my dipstick test will measure 3 ppm but they are known not to be very accurate, however my test drops measure either 2 or 4 ppm rather than 3. In order to achieve the 3 ppm test could anyone recommend a testing kit, preferably one available in the UK? Alternatively, would it really be a problem to work with 2 or 4 ppm instead?

 

[Tacocat]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000255NCI/?tag=

There's this one, but looking at the price, I got ripped off at my lfs
it says $45 on Amazon, but I got mine for $64 + tax

 

[Tacocat]

Hi all. I'm cycling my tank but have a problem in that my dipstick test will measure 3 ppm but they are known not to be very accurate, however my test drops measure either 2 or 4 ppm rather than 3. In order to achieve the 3 ppm test could anyone recommend a testing kit, preferably one available in the UK? Alternatively, would it really be a problem to work with 2 or 4 ppm instead?

unless you already have it.

 

[Sunnyspots]

unless you already have it.

Hi Tacocat. Yes, my kit is the single test from API. I suppose the master kit might be more sensitive for some reason. Is yours?

 

[Slaphppy7]

Hi Tacocat. Yes, my kit is the single test from API. I suppose the master kit might be more sensitive for some reason. Is yours?

Won't be more "sensitive", it's the same test reagents...the advantage of the kit is that it contains tests for nitrIte, nitrAte, and ph, which are important params to know when cycling

 

[Sunnyspots]

Won't be more "sensitive", it's the same test reagents...the advantage of the kit is that it contains tests for nitrIte, nitrAte, and ph, which are important params to know when cycling

I already have a Tetra master kit covering nitrite and pH. I've seen that NT labs do an ammonia test kit that might be promising.

 

[Slaphppy7]

I already have a Tetra master kit covering nitrite and pH. I've seen that NT labs do an ammonia test kit that might be promising.

Is the Tetra kit liquid or paper strips?
Paper strips can be unreliable and inaccurate, especially if they are aged or exposed to light for long periods.

 

[Sunnyspots]

Is the Tetra kit liquid or paper strips?
Paper strips can be unreliable and inaccurate, especially if they are aged or exposed to light for long periods.

It's a liquid kit.

 

[Uberhoust]

With the API kit it seems to me that if the Ammonia test shows even the slightest greenish cast you have ammonia. It has to be a solid yellow only color for ammonia to be zero. I have issues with the colors myself and have tried a few but API seems to work the best still, at least for me.

 

[Tacocat]

With the API kit it seems to me that if the Ammonia test shows even the slightest greenish cast you have ammonia. It has to be a solid yellow only color for ammonia to be zero. I have issues with the colors myself and have tried a few but API seems to work the best still, at least for me.

Same with me, but the biggest problem for me is the fact that the colours for .25 and .5 ammonia are so darn similar

 

[Uberhoust]

Same with me, but the biggest problem for me is the fact that the colours for .25 and .5 ammonia are so darn similar

I totally agree with you. The printing of the charts is really poor in my opinion. I have thought about making some solution and making my own color match but it is a lot of work, I did that for the Nitrate test (10 and 20 ppm look the same to me). For ammonia though I use the test as either it is there and I have a problem or it isn't

 

[PheonixKingZ]

The Hanna ammonia checker is the most accurate in the hobby:

High Range Ammonia Colorimeter – Checker® HC HI733

The HI733 Checker®HC (Handheld Colorimeter) provides a simple, accurate and cost effective way to measure ammonia.

www.googleadservices.com

Salifert is a close second: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai...wibhuLOoIHxAhWRxZ4KHX5FBJoQwg96BAgBEBU&adurl=

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Same with me, but the biggest problem for me is the fact that the colours for .25 and .5 ammonia are so darn similar

That’s why color-match test kits are so hard to get accurate results from, and are not recommended.

 

[Slaphppy7]

I totally agree with you. The printing of the charts is really poor in my opinion. I have thought about making some solution and making my own color match but it is a lot of work, I did that for the Nitrate test (10 and 20 ppm look the same to me). For ammonia though I use the test as either it is there and I have a problem or it isn't

The next time you do a test, use this online chart, and hold the TT up to the monitor to compare...the color-code cards that come with the master test kit leave alot to be desired, IMO...I've seen 2 brand new ones side-by-side, and the colors didn't exactly match, to me anyway

Free Downloads | Pump & Filter Instructions | Test Kit charts

Free Aquarium and Pond Downloads. Test Kit Instructions & color charts. Via Aqua powerhead & Multi-filter directions. UV installation diagrams.

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

Disclaimer: I know that PC monitors may show slightly different hues of color, but for me, the online color code chart is much more easier to use

 

[Sunnyspots]

The Hanna ammonia checker is the most accurate in the hobby:

High Range Ammonia Colorimeter – Checker® HC HI733

The HI733 Checker®HC (Handheld Colorimeter) provides a simple, accurate and cost effective way to measure ammonia.

www.googleadservices.com

Salifert is a close second: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai...wibhuLOoIHxAhWRxZ4KHX5FBJoQwg96BAgBEBU&adurl=

Ouch! The Hanna is a bit expensive at £81 with only 10 tests. My diabetes gear is cheaper! But the Salifert looks good. Thank you for the suggestion. I'm off to buy some