the best test kit?

[sepehr]

I know there isn't a perfect test kit outhere but what's the most reliable one? I was using the Red Sea test kit called Fresh Lab Deluxe which included low & high PH range, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, Fe, CO2 and I bought the Phosphate test kit separately from the same brand. I'm afraid they're already outdated and LFS doesn't carry the Red Sea brand anymore so I'm looking for another test kit? Any suggestions?

TIA

[BradC]

api

[Powchekny]

I like the API test kits as well. Not too expensive, and accurate enough for home aquarium use.

The only thing I dislike are the cheap glass test tubes they package with their kits. They're so thin and fragile that I have to assume they're intended to break and cause you to buy a new kit. (or at least another API test tube)

I've been using the plastic vials that came with my Tetra Laborett test kit after my cat broke most of my API vials.

Tom

[Darkblade48]

As mentioned, the API test kits work fine for our hobby-related purposes.

If you want to "upscale" end test kits, LaMotte is the way to go (but they are pricey).

[smackpixi]

There are, somewhere on the internet, posts and websites about calibrating your test kit. You create known acids, bases, amounts of nitrates, etc...and see how your test kit reacts to them. Then, even if it's off, you know how much it's off.

[BradC]

Originally Posted by smackpixi

There are, somewhere on the internet, posts and websites about calibrating your test kit. You create known acids, bases, amounts of nitrates, etc...and see how your test kit reacts to them. Then, even if it's off, you know how much it's off.

There is actually a sticky in the Fertilizers and Water Parameters forum on this site by Hoppy. It shows you how to calibrate Phosphate and Nitrate test kits.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/fe...-chemists.html

[sepehr]

Originally Posted by Powchekny

I like the API test kits as well. Not too expensive, and accurate enough for home aquarium use.

The only thing I dislike are the cheap glass test tubes they package with their kits. They're so thin and fragile that I have to assume they're intended to break and cause you to buy a new kit. (or at least another API test tube)

I've been using the plastic vials that came with my Tetra Laborett test kit after my cat broke most of my API vials.

Tom

LOL, your cat probably gets too jealous coz youre spending too much time testing your tank's water parameters and not spending enough time with him. By the way is Tetra Laborett any good?

[sepehr]

Originally Posted by BradC

There is actually a sticky in the Fertilizers and Water Parameters forum on this site by Hoppy. It shows you how to calibrate Phosphate and Nitrate test kits.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/fe...-chemists.html

Im on it thanks

[sepehr]

Originally Posted by smackpixi

There are, somewhere on the internet, posts and websites about calibrating your test kit. You create known acids, bases, amounts of nitrates, etc...and see how your test kit reacts to them. Then, even if it's off, you know how much it's off.

I see, it makes sense

[maxtcee]

I just ordered this one it has all test in one and price isn't thatbad considering each test cost around 15-25$

http://www.amazon.com/Nutrafin-Maste.../dp/B0002568FO