What does everyone use to test their water paramaters?

[Xalyx]

I see in the sticky there are some DIY methods but I was wondering what kind of test kits people are buying to keep their tanks in balance?

I've seen API test kits, is that the preferred choice? Can someone give me more information about this subject.

[laqu]

lazy man's dip strip ...

I have the API test kit but checked and my dip strips are just as accurate for general use.

[Darkblade48]

The rare time I do go about testing water, I use the API liquid test kits.

I used to use LaMotte as well, but when they ran out, I didn't want to put down money anymore

[Xalyx]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

The rare time I do go about testing water, I use the API liquid test kits.

I used to use LaMotte as well, but when they ran out, I didn't want to put down money anymore

And what do you test for? Which kind of kit is really necessary.

[AmazonPassion]

I use API Master Test Kit (Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates) and API GH/KH Liquid Test

[Hoppy]

It is probably a good idea to test for ammonia and nitrites when you first set up a tank, until both read zero, indicating that the tank is cycled. After that there isn't any good reason to test the water at all, unless you suspect a problem. Of course if you have some odd tap water, you might want to do more testing, but for most of it, it isn't needed.

[Xalyx]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

It is probably a good idea to test for ammonia and nitrites when you first set up a tank, until both read zero, indicating that the tank is cycled. After that there isn't any good reason to test the water at all, unless you suspect a problem. Of course if you have some odd tap water, you might want to do more testing, but for most of it, it isn't needed.

Alright cool, I realize this now after reading up on EI. I haven't been properly fertilizing my tank for 2 years because I didn't know much about it/underestimated importance. Which sounds worst than it is, but I never did anything serious with my tank. ANYWAY, I thought testing was the place to start but I'm good now.

[owens81jw]

Originally Posted by laqu

lazy man's dip strip ...

I have the api test kit but checked and my dip strips are just as accurate for general use.

lol lazy man's dip strips, i dont feel bad now

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Xalyx

And what do you test for? Which kind of kit is really necessary.

As Hoppy mentioned, when I first startup a new aquarium, I test for ammonia/nitrites/nitrates.

After everything is settled, I occasionally test for nitrates and phosphates to make sure all my dosing is in order.

If something is wrong, then the GH/KH/pH/NH3/NO2/NO3 test kits are useful to diagnose/narrow down the problems.