Which Test Kit

[ShinyCard255]

I have only used the API Freshwater Master Test Kit and it's really easy to use. I say go with that. And relatively cheap (~$32) if in the US

 

[Gvilleguy]

I have only used the API Freshwater Master Test Kit and it's really easy to use. I say go with that. And relatively cheap (~$32) if in the US

Agree - the API is cheaper and provides a lot of tests for the money. I think they are fine for most freshwater situations.

 

[Fishy friend2]

Okay I am with API right now

 

[HayzH]

just remember to go by leaflet instructions...and shake that Nitrate bottle 2 like mad for 30 secs then the tube once added for 1 min...for accurate results. AND the Nitrite needs to be left to develop properly.

 

[skinbad]

API Freshwater test kit, My only gripe, is hard to get exact colour matches i find.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Problem with this thread is people are advising on what they use not what they know. The api test kit is the most common but very inaccurate as a home kit in both ammonia and nitrate, as said it can hard to use the colour chart as well

 

[Jamie24]

Problem with this thread is people are advising on what they use not what they know. The api test kit is the most common but very inaccurate as a home kit in both ammonia and nitrate

That's why i choose to pay more for a better more accurate test kit.

 

[Gvilleguy]

I disagree with the statement that API is very inaccurate on ammonia and nitrate...I was able to cycle my tank using the API kits, and for the past year I have had healthy fish, so if I can spend $32 to get the testing job done, I'd rather not spend 3 times that much on Salifert, even if it is more accurate. I don't disagree that Salifert is better, but for the money I think API is "good enough" as long as you follow the instructions properly for conducting the tests.

 

[KISSfn]

For me, API had me going crazy trying to figure out why my tank had high levels of ammonia after forum mod Tolak graciously sent me a huge amount of mature media. I tried two different master kits from two different suppliers both with valid lot numbers. API even read ammonia in my tap water. I then added a tiny amount of Ace Hardware ammonia to a test tube sample and tested it with the API's, it read zero! Bought the Salifert and tested my tap and tank with it, it read zero. As with all things in life, you get what you pay for.

 

[Jamie24]

At the end of the day people are going to buy the cheapest that does the job, It's all about preference but I do feel the API is inaccurate when testing Ammonia and sometimes used to find it hard to match up the colouring on the charts. API for me has a "Petshop" name and is more well known by the average day to day fishkeeper so seems more popular and available.

 

[StandbySetting]

The API Ammonia and nitrite kits are okay, but you may as well guess what your nitrate is instead of actually using the API nitrate kit.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

I disagree with the statement that API is very inaccurate on ammonia and nitrate...I was able to cycle my tank using the API kits, and for the past year I have had healthy fish, so if I can spend $32 to get the testing job done, I'd rather not spend 3 times that much on Salifert, even if it is more accurate. I don't disagree that Salifert is better, but for the money I think API is "good enough" as long as you follow the instructions properly for conducting the tests.

I cycled my tank using it but it was horrible. 3 different API kits from 3 difference places on 3 different tanks, all gave false and inaccurate readings chnaged to another brand and it was correct. In the uk sailferts are like £1 more which makes it no brainer, i understand that in US there more so i dont blame people for buying API no exuse in the UK for skiping though

 

[Gvilleguy]

I disagree with the statement that API is very inaccurate on ammonia and nitrate...I was able to cycle my tank using the API kits, and for the past year I have had healthy fish, so if I can spend $32 to get the testing job done, I'd rather not spend 3 times that much on Salifert, even if it is more accurate. I don't disagree that Salifert is better, but for the money I think API is "good enough" as long as you follow the instructions properly for conducting the tests.

I cycled my tank using it but it was horrible. 3 different API kits from 3 difference places on 3 different tanks, all gave false and inaccurate readings chnaged to another brand and it was correct. In the uk sailferts are like £1 more which makes it no brainer, i understand that in US there more so i dont blame people for buying API no exuse in the UK for skiping though

Well now I'm just jealous that the better test kits are not much more money than API in the UK!!! In that case I would buy them.