fresh/salt tests the same?

[cellodaisy]

I urgently need nitrite/nitrate tests. I checked my only local store (an Agway) and the nearest actual pet store (a Petco 40 minutes away) and both were out freshwater tests. In desperation, I bought an API saltwater "master test kit" because my API ammonia test is for fresh or salt water (with just slightly different color charts) so I was hoping that the others would be the same. Does anyone know if that's the case? And if so, is there any way for me to get freshwater color charts so I can get more accurate readings? I don't want to open the kit (and make it non-returnable) if it definitely won't work.

Thank you so much for your help. I've been a member for such a short time and already you guys have been incredibly helpful. This forum is amazing.

 

[OldMan47]

On my API cards, only the nitrite admits that it is good for both fresh and salt. My guess is that the others are not.

 

[cellodaisy]

API sells individual nitrite and nitrate tests that are fresh/salt. Would they put different tests in the "master kit"?

Nitrite test: http://aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=77
Nitrate test: http://aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=78

 

[Blown 346]

Testing supplies do differ. Some can be used on both salt and fresh, others strictly just fresh or salt. It is a good idea to get a good test kit. You dont want to skimp in that department. Different test kits or lower grade kits will give differnt test results and they might not be 100% accurate. Invets in a good test kit that is well known. Salifert makes good test kits as well as Hagen. But they are a little more expensive. I myself have a full line master test kit made by hagen. You can get them at Drs.Foster and smith.

 

[jpappy789]

For API the tests are the same (chemical wise) but the color cards are different for the parameter levels.

 

[jm1212]

if anything, the SW ones have more precise measurements since reefs are so much more sensitive to ammonia and nitrite than FW fish.

 

[jpappy789]

I believe the incraments are all the same, just not the same colors.

 

[cellodaisy]

Thanks, that's good to know. Of course, I already returned the SW kit but seeing as the uncycled tank I was worried about no longer contains any live fish, I'm not in as much of a hurry and I can just order the tests I need from somewhere online. I'm going to have to disinfect the tank and start all over anyway because the fish all died suddenly from an unknown cause---probably nitrite or nitrate levels, maybe something toxic from a homemade breeding net, maybe some other ailment that I'm too inexperienced to see. Anyway, thanks for the information. It's good to know that SW tests will do in a pinch in the future.

 

[furfinsfeathers]

I've had all good experiences ordering from Pet Solutions. The last time I price compared, their complete API test kit was about 1/2 the price of my local Petsmart. http://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=17101034

 

[msjinkzd]

Sorry to hear about your losses. I buy alot of my supplies at www.kensfish.com as well. He has very good prices and you can choose your shipping method. I hope that you get your tank situated and teh next go round is a success.