Real quick, favorite master test kit?

FlyingSheep · 12-12-2012, 03:09 PM

I'm thinking of going with this http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater.../dp/B000255NCI

Looks simple, nice price, ect. Any recommendations? I assume that they're mostly all the same. Also will buy the Kh test.

babydragons · 12-12-2012, 03:31 PM

I use this one. It's the only one I have ever tried. Works great

FlyingSheep · 12-12-2012, 03:34 PM

Yeah I figured. It seems to be the favorite, I just figured I would see if there was anything else.

babydragons · 12-12-2012, 03:37 PM

I looked for others but everything else I found you have to piece together. This one seems to be the most complete minus the kh/gh tests.

wendyjo · 12-12-2012, 06:56 PM

I use API but if I get an ammonia reading I use Seachems ammonia test because it tests for both harmful and non harmful forms of ammonia.

Diana · 12-12-2012, 07:01 PM

I use the dip sticks more often than the test tube style of tests. I have used both at the same time often enough to know how to compare the results.

API: Good. Dated so I know how old they are.
Red Sea Fe: Never got a color that matched the chart.

Jungle 5-way or 6-way test strips: Well, I know what the colors mean when they do not match the chart.

Jungle Ammonia and Chlorine/chloramine test strips: Good.

Spa and pool tests: These work, too.

lochaber · 12-12-2012, 07:08 PM

How do people feel about the Sera kits? I tried doing a search a few days ago, and one point that came up was that people who have trouble with color perception seemed to find the Sera easier to read.

Anyone else have any input, pros/cons?

sepulvd · 12-13-2012, 09:40 AM

@diana. How do you like the jungle test strips am currently using the tetra test strip and am not sure how accurate they are

dprais1 · 12-13-2012, 09:59 AM

the test strips that use the drops and the vial are much better because you feel very scientific when you are using them. I have bought a pair of glasses and a white lab coat to enhance the effect, I think we all should!

RickRS · 12-13-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dprais1

the test strips that use the drops and the vial are much better because you feel very scientific when you are using them. I have bought a pair of glasses and a white lab coat to enhance the effect, I think we all should!

I like!

Django · 12-13-2012, 10:48 AM

I've only used one - API (liquid). I have heard that liquid tests are more accurate from a number of sources. Some of the colors are a little off or hard to read, but you do what you can.

bdacus · 12-24-2012, 03:52 AM

Easy to read. Easy to use. I have the master kit and really like it. I have used API as well. The water vials are wider like JBL or Red sea. They have both Fresh and Marine.

12-12-2012, 03:09 PM	#1
FlyingSheep Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: 65251 Posts: 65	Real quick, favorite master test kit? I'm thinking of going with this http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater.../dp/B000255NCI Looks simple, nice price, ect. Any recommendations? I assume that they're mostly all the same. Also will buy the Kh test. __________________ Trained in EMS, I can save a person from death and/or injury. I cannot, however, save a man from his own stupidity.

12-12-2012, 03:34 PM	#3
FlyingSheep Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: 65251 Posts: 65	Yeah I figured. It seems to be the favorite, I just figured I would see if there was anything else. __________________ Trained in EMS, I can save a person from death and/or injury. I cannot, however, save a man from his own stupidity.

12-13-2012, 10:48 AM	#11
Django Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 328	I've only used one - API (liquid). I have heard that liquid tests are more accurate from a number of sources. Some of the colors are a little off or hard to read, but you do what you can. __________________ 10 planted gallons started on 4/18/12; 2x 13w CFL in "Brooder" dome reflectors; Substrate: BIG gravel; AquaClear 30 adjustable HOB; Current Algae: Cyanobacteria, Black Brush?

12-24-2012, 03:52 AM	#12
bdacus Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Collierville,TN Posts: 19	Sera Master Kit Easy to read. Easy to use. I have the master kit and really like it. I have used API as well. The water vials are wider like JBL or Red sea. They have both Fresh and Marine. __________________ Thank You, _________________________ Brent Dacus Collierville,TN

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12-12-2012, 03:31 PM	#2
babydragons Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hobokenish, New Jersey Posts: 467	I use this one. It's the only one I have ever tried. Works great

12-12-2012, 03:37 PM	#4
babydragons Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hobokenish, New Jersey Posts: 467	I looked for others but everything else I found you have to piece together. This one seems to be the most complete minus the kh/gh tests.

12-12-2012, 06:56 PM	#5
wendyjo Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: DC area Posts: 2,825	I use API but if I get an ammonia reading I use Seachems ammonia test because it tests for both harmful and non harmful forms of ammonia.

12-12-2012, 07:01 PM	#6
Diana Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Contra Costa CA Posts: 5,083	I use the dip sticks more often than the test tube style of tests. I have used both at the same time often enough to know how to compare the results. API: Good. Dated so I know how old they are. Red Sea Fe: Never got a color that matched the chart. Jungle 5-way or 6-way test strips: Well, I know what the colors mean when they do not match the chart. Jungle Ammonia and Chlorine/chloramine test strips: Good. Spa and pool tests: These work, too.

12-12-2012, 07:08 PM	#7
lochaber Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 814	How do people feel about the Sera kits? I tried doing a search a few days ago, and one point that came up was that people who have trouble with color perception seemed to find the Sera easier to read. Anyone else have any input, pros/cons?

12-13-2012, 09:40 AM	#8
sepulvd Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: japan Posts: 157	@diana. How do you like the jungle test strips am currently using the tetra test strip and am not sure how accurate they are

12-13-2012, 09:59 AM	#9
dprais1 Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/89%) Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: mt prospect Posts: 512	the test strips that use the drops and the vial are much better because you feel very scientific when you are using them. I have bought a pair of glasses and a white lab coat to enhance the effect, I think we all should!