Test kit confusion

[Semarin]

I am painfully confused on what testkit I should get. My tank will be freshwater, and will have live plants (just a couple) when I complete cycling. I haven't actually put water in the tank yet as I am waiting on the filter and such to arrive from Big Al's.

What is the ideal testkit? Ease of use, accuracy, and value are primary factors. Anyone have a good suggestion? Is the brandname important? Exactly what things will I need to be able to test? Also some of them seem to be like pills whereas others are liquid based? Any help that coudl be shed on this woudl be VERY much appreciated! :)

[brookelyn]

I would go with a liquid based kit, as they tend to be more accurate, not to mention they last for a long time.

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master kit (http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F73%2cMAN1044/Class/Fish+Supplies+Aquarim+Pharmaceuticals+Test+Kits/T1/F73+1044+0142/Itemdy00.aspx) is a good value ($14.99 at ThatFishplace.com, and it includes tests for Nitrite, Ammonia (two part test), pH, High pH, and GH. This kit doesn't include KH, or Nitrate, but you can buy these separately. At Thatfishplace.com both the KH and the Nitrate test kits cost $4.99 each.

Overall, $25 ($30 something with shipping) is a great deal, and I could not find a better one offline.

[Leopardess]

I believe those have fewer tests per kit, though...

You will need: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. gH and kH are also very helpful.

Liquid/test tube kits are more accurate than the test strips.

[anonapersona]

The new Aquarium Pharmacutical set from PetSolutions.com $11, has nitrates and a new salicylate based ammonia test that correctly monitors ammonia when ammonia controlling products are used. It does lose the GH and KH, however those are things that do not often change. You might be able to get the pet store to test that annually to monitor changes.