I am going out to buy a test kit in the near future. I know I need to test for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH, is there anything I am missing? Also, is there any particular brand that is superior to others, or anything important I should look for in a test kit? Thanks in advance.
Test Kits, are some better then others?
- Thread starter jujubee
- Start date
This is one area where $ gets you a better product. Do you need to spend lots of dough, probably not. I'm referring to LaMotte and Hach kits that professionals use but aren't necessary for the hobbyist.
You don't want any ammonia or nitrite so as long as the kit reads the presence of either you're o.k. (that is, it doesn't have to be very accurate).
Nitrate is less toxic than the previous two and as long as it's fairly accurate, you'll be o.k..
pH kits are the ones I (and others I'm sure) have a little gripe about. The colors on some charts are similar so it makes them a little difficult to tell one value from the next. However, most get along with the cheaper kits just fine.
Other kits you probably want are GH/KH (general/carbonate hardness).
Seachem has a great reputation from great products. Personally I use Hagen, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and Tetra kits....and occassionally a Lamotte CO2 kit that I borrow for my plants...
You don't want any ammonia or nitrite so as long as the kit reads the presence of either you're o.k. (that is, it doesn't have to be very accurate).
Nitrate is less toxic than the previous two and as long as it's fairly accurate, you'll be o.k..
pH kits are the ones I (and others I'm sure) have a little gripe about. The colors on some charts are similar so it makes them a little difficult to tell one value from the next. However, most get along with the cheaper kits just fine.
Other kits you probably want are GH/KH (general/carbonate hardness).
Seachem has a great reputation from great products. Personally I use Hagen, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and Tetra kits....and occassionally a Lamotte CO2 kit that I borrow for my plants...