Which Test Kits...

[bogwood]

I have Ammonia and Nitrite test kits for my new tank set up and have noticed there are a wide range of other tests available... do I need a PH test kit as well? What about all the other tests available... it'll cost a fortune! Thanks

 

[soritan]

PH test kits are handy to have around, but they don't see a whole lot of use, just in emergency situations and at the beginning of your hobby, to see what your water is like in general.

NitrAte test kits are good to have about for a fishless cycle, or if you have a planted tank.

I think a standard testkit compliment is basically ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and ph. Most other test kits are for specialized use, IMHO.


Aquaria is an expensive hobby.

 

[bogwood]

Thanks soritan... I've seen 'PH Wide' and 'PH High' test kits... Which is best for a new tank set up?

 

[Bloo]

Where in the country are you ? It might already give us a vague idea of what your pH is and direct you to the best test.

I find the .API range the very best value for money and easy to read results

 

[bogwood]

bloozoo2... I live near the Oxford/Berkshire borders... I 'think' the water is quite hard?...

 

[Disco]

Yep its solid as a rock with pH of about 8 if you just want tests done once or twice take a sample to your lfs if they are any good they should do it for you as long as you don't make a habit of it.

 

[Bloo]

Yep - go for a "high range" pH test then.
Here's a link to buying them online. But your lfs could probably order them in for you.
I prefer this brand above Tetra and Salifert (and one other range I've tried before but can't remember brand name).
The master kit is £17.15 but really well worth it or just buy individual ones as needed.

 

[Disco]

Who is your lfs?

 

[The-Wolf]

IMHO
the basic kits everyone needs are
ammonia, nitrIte, nitrAte and pH

others that maybe useful are
kH (this buffers your pH, so it is handy to know)
gH (hardness)

specialist tests are
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
O2 (oxygen)
FE (iron)
PO4 (phosphate)
Cl/Cl2 (chlorine/chloramine)
Cu (copper)
Ca (calcium) [salt water]
Mg (magnesium) [salt water]

 

[tetraqueen]

IMHO
the basic kits everyone needs are
ammonia, nitrIte, nitrAte and pH

others that maybe useful are
kH (this buffers your pH, so it is handy to know)
gH (hardness)

specialist tests are
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
O2 (oxygen)
FE (iron)
PO4 (phosphate)
Cl/Cl2 (chlorine/chloramine)
Cu (copper)
Ca (calcium) [salt water]
Mg (magnesium) [salt water]

Most lfs sell these as one in a kit. It cost under a tenner and as long as you don't need it daily you should get away with say a pack a month or more. 4 tests of each. A pack of cigarettes cost at least a £5 and this will do better it will give you peace of mind, help the fish and save on you and yours lungs.