TYPES OF TESTS

[Sidewinder]

I've just gotten my 55 gallon set up, and it has been running for about 2 weeks now. I'm new to this sport, but I did use some used filter media from a friends aquarium, and my aquarium has really cleared up, and is crystal clear. I have 8 white clouds in it now, and am going to have a community tank eventually. My question is; what is the best test kits available out there, and exactly what type of tests should I do. I saw around 15 different tests at a local aquarium shop, and the young salesperson told me" I guess you should do all of them". He wasn't sure, and i wasn't sure of him. Ergo, my joining your community, and getting advice. What type of tests, and how often.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Fangirl]

I like the liquid "Master Test Kit" by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals with the test tubes. You add a chemical to a water sample and then compare it to a color card to determine your levels.

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
PH

 

[Squawkbert]

I like the liquid "Master Test Kit" by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals with the test tubes. You add a chemical to a water sample and then compare it to a color card to determine your levels.

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
PH

and high range pH

I like this one too.

 

[J double R]

i think that as a basic BASIC level of water testing you should have at a minimum, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, and high range pH. those usually come in the master kits (as specified above) but dont let some salesperson con you into getting everything in the book.. there's probably some stuff you don't need.

 

[Holly9937]

I usually recommend big als for the test kit, but www.drsfostersmith.com had the aquarium pharmaceuticals master kit for just a tiny bit cheaper. For just over 15$ you can get the essentials, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and ph (it also has high range ph).

 

[Hereford]

The AP Master Test Kit is easily the most widely used and trusted by those in this forum. You won't go wrong there. Avoid the "dipstick" type tests; they are less reliable. You might want to add a carbonate hardness (KH or dK) test, certainly if you find your pH is unstable.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

another vote for api mast test kit. has basiclly everything you need. you can get it at petsmart for $13 if you have one around. just go on to their website and print out the page witht he price. they will price match it.