water test kits...what to buy??

nursie

nursie

AC Members
Jan 15, 2005
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Peoria, IL
Real Name
michelle
I looked thru the lfs's in the area and if they had any test kits they were pricey. I looked on Big Al's...and now I'm confused!!

What do I really need to test for?
I have plants...no co2..and I know I have hard water with high ph. I bought some diop strip tests, but figured that the acutal chemical ones were better. What do people here use?

Also..Petsmart says they test water for free....anyone had any experience with that?
 
I have a heavily planted tank. PH, Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and CO2. I use a PH probe so not a test kit per-say.
 
Bare minimum:
pH, KH, NH3, NO2, NO3.
I use Hagen/Nutrafin and have had great results, I've heard good things about Aquarium Pharmaceuticals' kits as well.

Liquid kits are more accurate/reliable than the dip strips, but those aren't bad either as long as you keep them in the dry and dark.
 
Happychem...lol..you are assuming that I have far more knowledge of chemistry than I do...my last chem class in college was over 25 yrs ago!!!

I think what you are saying is ph, calcuim hardness, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia? I know my calcuim hardness will always be high, and ph too. The water where we live is something else. They don't call it Limestone township for nothing!

Kasatako...I looked at that kit on Big ALs long and lard last night and decided to ask opinions first. I'll wait til next double points Weds. I'm sure I'll find something else I need too!
 
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