I just got a bunch of plants for my tank, but. . .

[AquariumNoob13]

what kind of test kit should i get so i can test for the right "stuff" that my plants need. i think i have buckweed, anacharis and 2 other kinds of plants.

[Temo]

um, i use quick dip, well that is what iam using cause iam kind of low on money,lol.

[AquariumNoob13]

does it work as well as other testers? or is it accurate enough?

[Plecosterone]

I would recomend API master test kit. It has everything you need for testing and is much more accurate than dip strips which are notoriously inaccurate.

[FtwayneFish]

yes i 2nd the api liquid test kit.

BUT it is a great post. the test kit is for fish. when i got mine it thought there would be co2 test and hardness of diff types in there.

but just ph,ite,ate,ammonia

[Cory Keeper]

I third the drop, I hate "quick" dip strips.

[jmhart]

There isn't really an inexpensive test kit for nutrients. API is a great test kit, but it won't provide enough information for the planted aquarium. the API master test kit should be used for all aquarist that desire to test their parameters, not specific to planted tanks. For your macro and micro ferts, test kits get very expensive. I would recommend not purchasing any of these. Just use the EI method for dosing ferts, you'll be fine.

[AquariumNoob13]

what is the EI method?

[Penfan66]

http://www.barrreport.com/estimative-index/62-estimative-index-dosing-no-need-test-kits.html

Read all about it.

[jmhart]

You can also read about EI here:

http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/EI.htm

[GirlieGirl8521]

If you put the plants in your Mbuna tank, they will most likely get eaten. I used to feed my Mbuna duckweed. :)