Master Test Kits

[anonapersona]

AP Master KIt $12 online and more tests!

I just got the AP Master kit online from PetSolutions and it has dropped the KH and GH tests and added the nitrate test and, as someone mentioned, now the Ammonia test is 2 bottles and Salycilate based so tells you actual harmful ammonia, not bound plus unbound.

KH and GH are typically stable for most water supplies, but not all, and I think the trade is worthwhile. Nitrate is much more necessary to monitor than KH and GH, except for those injecting CO2, of course.

 

[brookelyn]

I use AP's Master test kit. I must have purchased an older version because mine included the GH, but not the nitrate, or KH, so I had to buy those two separately.

The ammonia test was also a two bottle salicylate based set, which will give an accurate reading if you use Amquel+.

 

[daveedka]

I tested 3 different brands against the Saliferts and none of them were close to its readings. When it came to my reef tank I didnt skimp. My organisms were too important to me

A good point is made, in the fact that our "tools" need to be justified, it largely depends on what you have in your tank, how critical things may be, and how high tech you wish to do things. for me my test kits give me a base line that I need to monitor maintenance, and keep my tank clean, I don't worry about pinpoint accuracy because quite simply nitrite below 20 I'm happy At or above 20 and my water change routine gets increased. 0 detectable ammonia and nitrite is normal, and my Kh can range a little so ballpark works.
If I had a reef set-up with difficult or rare organisms, I would definately change my testing structure and products. If I was growing rare or hard to grow plants, many things would change. I stick to the basics for the basics and save my money for more tanks.