test kits

[carpenterwrasse]

I have read several posts but i am still foggy...I am useing a seachem test kit but was wondering if i am in the right ballpark....I want ease and acurate testing...what about the dip strips good or bad they look too easy to be true..Give me an idea where i can get the best bang for my buck.


George

[jerryc]

I like the Salifert best of all that i have tried.

haven't tried the strips but haven't read to much good about them

[Sweetpea]

I have used the strips before, and they weren't too terribly bad. My main issue issue with them was the lack of precise measurement. For nitrates, it was showing a color that looked (to me) to be in the 10-20 range. I wanted to know exactly what the level was, so I bought a Salifert test. My nitrates were actually only 5! Salifert is all I use now...

[Dork-Fish]

How much does Salifert usually run? I think I use Marine Lab.

[Sweetpea]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_test_kits_salifert.asp?CartId=

They are different prices depending on the kit. Also, some kits can do more tests than others... just check the details for the kits you're looking for.

[sticky]

I use the hagen master test kit

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=HG17860

Little more time in testing, but I just set a timer while waiting. Pretty easy to use and instruction books for each test and how to determine test results.

[dakar]

We have and use test kits from various different manufacturers, from the cheapest to the more expensive, their results can different to some degree in accuracy and ease of use depending on the methods used for each.

Just keep in mind all 'hobby grade' kits are all pretty subjective to a lot of variation in results. Think that if everyone found a source for some professional grade kits that were affordable enough to aquire and use it would open a lot of eyes and start a mass panic... likely our parameters would be WAY off their detection scales, most designed to read in .01 parts per TRILLION!


Armed with that information, just do your best to provide your captive animals with the best environment possible, but keep in mind this is a hobby and should be 'enjoyable'.

[jerryc]

For checking out the deferent price of Salifert suppliers go hear

http://www.geocities.com/hans1976/Salifert.html?200513