Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate Kits - Which One?

[Hollygirl]

I am buying my first kit(s) tomorrow morning. I have read in these forums to stay away from the "strips". Can anyone recommend a good and reliable
kit(s)? Can you provide specific brand names?

[cmartin]

API is the best I have found.
Get ALL 3 kits - you will need them to get through cycling and for the times when things get upset in your tanks.

[nycsicktank]

salifert test. very expensive but worth it.

[Johnnyr]

I second API. There is really no reason to spend any more then $10 on a test.

[nycsicktank]

API are known to be inaccurate

[Johnnyr]

They aren't 100% accurate, but they give a general idea. If there is ammonia present, you will know. Same goes for nitrite and nitrate. I really don't see the reason to be accurate down to the .001 ppm, considering were just dealing with an aquarium, not a nuclear power plant.

but, to each his own. If it's worth it to you to be completely accurate, then by all means, get the more expensive tests. But in my experiences, the API tests have worked just fine.

[nycsicktank]

They aren't 100% accurate, but they give a general idea. If there is ammonia present, you will know. Same goes for nitrite and nitrate. I really don't see the reason to be accurate down to the .001 ppm, considering were just dealing with an aquarium, not a nuclear power plant.

but, to each his own. If it's worth it to you to be completely accurate, then by all means, get the more expensive tests. But in my experiences, the API tests have worked just fine.

your right there, as far as being general idea API is the best, cheap stuffs :grinyes: as goes for accurateness Salifert is way to go

i wouldnt buy Salifert for FW though. Unless they are expensive as SW.

[Lady G]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18538/si1380887/cl0/aquariumpharmaceuticalsfreshwatermastertestkit

This is the "master' kit I got, and have had no problems it has everything you need and you don't have to buy all kinds of seperate kits. Yes stay away from strips!

[ct-death]

The Master API test kit is what most use and will advice you on.

Essentials are ammonia/nitrItes/nitrAtes, but buying the Kit is less than these 3 individually ;)

[Hollygirl]

Then API Master Kit iit is! Thanks for all your help. My tank is exclusively white clouds (20 gallon long, 4 fish). I think that kit will do just fine.