5-in-one test strips

We just started out last christmas, so I'm no expert ...

The wife bought a bottle of those test strips back when we got the tank. I used them for a week or so, but found out -

- They're the wrong ammonia test. They'll still read ammonia even after you've dosed w/ AmQuel or something similar. From reading here, the 'salicylate' test ignores AmQuel converted ammonia - the 'Nessler' test in the strips doesn't.

- The ones I got were kind of variable. pH would test +/- .4 kind of at random.

- I've read here that as the test strips age, they'll give wacky readings.

I went and got the Aquarium Pharm liquid tests instead. They're more of a pain to use (especially Nitrate - shake this for 30 seconds, that for a minute, 2 drops of this, 10 of that, etc - sheesh.), but, in my newbie opinion, seem more reliable. I also have an easier time reading the results than I did w/ the strips.

Again, I've only had a tank for about a month - I've read enough to make my head spin, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of things. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable will correct any mistakes I've made...

I don't recommend 'em.
I had some for a month, dropped the closed container in the tank for a second, and they were messed. Get the liquid stuff. ONce you get used to it, it isn't as big a hassel as it seems.

My test kit from aqua pharm states that although you add ammonia binding chemicals, it still will give high ammonia readings. I thought it was that way with all of them. You should know that the reading is high, but the fish are uneffected and the bacteria can metabolize the ammonia still.

make sure you buy online/shop around. I think my master test kit was $15-20$, i've seen the same kit as high as 30$ and I think online it is way cheap. It doesn't get used up too quick though. I have tested daily for long spells on both my tanks, when things have gone haywire, and I am far from replacing anything. I've had mine for 4 months. With a healthy tank, I test once a week.

I also posted this question at one point, and the general opinion is those strips make nice bookmarks, get the liquid.

I use the test strips all the time. As long as they stay dry and are within the expiration period, they work fine. If you have planted tanks and need high precision, you might want other test methods. For most of us, the test strips are sufficiently precise and they are much easier to use, which fosters frequent testing. (And that's good...)

Jim

I've used both the dip strips and the titrate test kits, and in my experience the dip tests are not accurate enough to be worthwhile. I've done side-by-side comparisons, and where the titrate test tells me the pH is 7.2, the dip test will tell me it's 6.8. That's a big difference. So I don't trust the dip tests anymore. I wish they were more accurate, because some times it seems like I'm back in high school chemistry with all the test tubes and droppers and little charts.

well i dont claim too be an expert but those 5 in one test strips ROCK ! =p i use them for my black ghost knifefish and the drops for everything else there THE SAME DARN THING =p in fact ive found those test strips too be more constastant (can't spell for turds) the drops can varry more due too stupid stuff like the size off drop that fell out lol think im joke hold your bottle of drop at a differant angle each time lol youll see but my knifefish are preaty sensative too the point that when ever my PH gos up they stop eating and if the nitrate gos up they stop playing with oneanouther they just seem to sleep alot lol test strips are quick easy and the 5 in 1 is even better =p

I have used the eSHa Aqua quick Tests for about three years now and they rock!!!! you get five tests on each strip (25 strips per pack) and they can be cut into 3 lengthways (= 75 strips ) They measure pH, KH, GH, Nitrite and Nitrate and I've had the results double checked at a very good fish store the instructions/explanations are excellent and the strips are easy to use.

Aderynglas said:

you get five tests on each strip (25 strips per pack) and they can be cut into 3 lengthways (= 75 strips )

Click to expand...

holy crap why have i never thought of that.

anyone else do this? is there any detriment? can i cut my ammonia test strips, too?

FWIW, I tried the 5-in-one test strips and the Ammonia test strips (Jungle Labs Quick Dip...bought at petsmart) and got way different readings on our tank water than our lfs did. This LFS has a very good reputation and excellent staff. They do not sell the test strips because they can become too easily damaged by humidity...causing inaccurate reads. I ended up returning the test strips and getting the Freshwater Master Test Kit. I find it easy to use, and the results much easier to read than with the strips.