Which water analysis kit?

[Sky042]

We had been using Aquarium Pharmaceuticals liquid tests. We found that the colors were hard to compare to the kits, and the dangerous chemicals were a concern with kids in the household.

We just recently got the "Mardel Master Test Kit 50 Tests" test strips. We like these a lot. They are easier to read, very comprehensive, quick, and safe.

They have a wider range then the liquid tests we had, and included a water hardness test which I had been having trouble finding at the store. I can test for everything in 2 minutes, and dont have to worry about storing them.

Regards,

Artuk

Yeah I've used them they're easier though supposedly less accurate though I've yet to verify that. My personal choice for going with liquid is cost/test. the mardel ones are pricy/test whereas on my entire liquid kit I've spent under $30 and I can test my water about 150 times.

 

[yellowsky]

any1 know if the jbl or sera ones are any good cos thats all they sell apart from the little aussies test kit ( hey im using that now) which seems expensive compared to the full on packs they sell (20 a pop or 11 for 7/8 wateva they got too many different tests)

 

[clutterydrawer]

I thought liquid ones were meant to be more reliable? or have i jsut randomly made that up?

my nitrate test is from Nutrafin and it angers me because
- the vial has a curved base so i can't stand it up while drip the stuff into it.
- it's covered in these wanrings about the damage it'll do if it touches you skin yet the lid doesnt fit, so it leaks onto your fingers when you shake it!

I guess these are trivial concerns really but they don't half make water testing a pain in the neck.

 

[Sky042]

I thought liquid ones were meant to be more reliable? or have i jsut randomly made that up?

my nitrate test is from Nutrafin and it angers me because
- the vial has a curved base so i can't stand it up while drip the stuff into it.
- it's covered in these wanrings about the damage it'll do if it touches you skin yet the lid doesnt fit, so it leaks onto your fingers when you shake it!

I guess these are trivial concerns really but they don't half make water testing a pain in the neck.

the liquid tests are meant to be more accurate. And I can't say I've ever used a nutrafin kit to talk about its quality.

 

[Bol]

Cluttery,

I've got the nutrafin phosphate kit, and I wholeheartedly agree with the stupidity of the curved-bottom vial.

And, for info, the AP tests have warnings all over, too. Probably for legal reasons.