what tests do you use

[wicca27]

i dont normaly test anything with my tanks have not in years. but i am wanting to get some better/higher grade shrimp and wondered what brand test and what kind of test do you all use. do you use liquid or strips or meters and what brands and where do you get them

[diwu13]

Don't use test strips as those are super inaccurate. Most people use API freshwater test kit, and then get the API gh/kH tests as well. Add onto that a TDS meter.

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by wicca27

i dont normaly test anything with my tanks have not in years. but i am wanting to get some better/higher grade shrimp and wondered what brand test and what kind of test do you all use. do you use liquid or strips or meters and what brands and where do you get them

I have everything. Haha. I like the strips for just in case I'm worried and want a super quick dip. But then I also have the liquids to confirm and which is what I use with my shrimp tank more often than not.
I don't put much stock in the strips but find them good to have as well.

[azjenny]

Also, +1 on the digital TDS meter for shrimp keeping for sure.

[zachary908]

I use the.. *Shrug* Things seem to be doing fine method of testing. In otherwords, I don't test

[splur]

API drop tests and a TDS meter. Someone said there's a better GH/KH test... by Tetra or something? The API GH/KH test sucks... I always get the crap all over my hands from opening the vial.

[wicca27]

i have not tested in years and then only ph. but since i will get a berried crs and then no eggs im thinkin water is a tad off so figure y not see how much. i keep rili and oebt just fine though

[Snowflake311]

Originally Posted by diwu13

Don't use test strips as those are super inaccurate. Most people use API freshwater test kit, and then get the API gh/kH tests as well. Add onto that a TDS meter.

Yup. I have so many of those API testers it's like I am running a water treatment plants. I use my kh GH and ph the most right now Because I am setting up new shrimp tanks. Once things are all set no need to test.

When you are first setting up a tank you need to have ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

[Jacob928]

Whats a TDS meter? Like what would this be useful for in shrimp care? Sorry i'm a noob! lol

[Mr. Leg]

If u want to get crazy u can get a ph and TDS meter combo. These pretty expensive though but really accurate.

[diwu13]

Originally Posted by splur

API drop tests and a TDS meter. Someone said there's a better GH/KH test... by Tetra or something? The API GH/KH test sucks... I always get the crap all over my hands from opening the vial.

Spilling solution all over your hands doesn't mean it is a bad test kit or inaccurate...

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by zachary908

I use the.. *Shrug* Things seem to be doing fine method of testing. In otherwords, I don't test

Makes two of us then. We should start a "trust in biological filtration, no parameter testing club". But then again, that would be kinda lame. Lol

[diwu13]

Originally Posted by Jacob928

Whats a TDS meter? Like what would this be useful for in shrimp care? Sorry i'm a noob! lol

This: http://www.amazon.com/HM-Digital-Poc...8710126&sr=8-1

Is what I use and recommended to h4n and xenxes.

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by wicca27

i dont normaly test anything with my tanks have not in years. but i am wanting to get some better/higher grade shrimp and wondered what brand test and what kind of test do you all use. do you use liquid or strips or meters and what brands and where do you get them

Hello w...

I'm with you on the testing thing. Haven't tested the water in my tanks in a long time. But, I found large, weekly water changes would take the place of expensive testing kits.

This may not answer your question, but wouldn't a lot of pure, treated tap water flushed through the tank weekly work as well or better than periodic testing? That way, you wouldn't need to test the water to find out if the chemistry was right, you'd always know the water was free of pollutants.

Just a thought.

B

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by BBradbury

Hello w...

I'm with you on the testing thing. Haven't tested the water in my tanks in a long time. But, I found large, weekly water changes would take the place of expensive testing kits.

This may not answer your question, but wouldn't a lot of pure, treated tap water flushed through the tank weekly work as well or better than periodic testing? That way, you wouldn't need to test the water to find out if the chemistry was right, you'd always know the water was free of pollutants.

Just a thought.

B

It wouldn't help to assure that the parameters were right for the particular shrimp she is looking to keep, only that the ammonia/nitrite/nitrite levels were down. And that's even if she can use her tap water for this.