Quality Test Kits

If you plan on testing and getting decent results, I'd say the Lamotte, Hach brands are well worth the $.

I've been saying this for oh, I suppose 15 years...........folks still suggest the cheapo's and say I do not know everything..and that they have a good experience with their one or two cheapy test kits.

I guess.

Then I read several folks who you tested the same brand of cheapy test kits and had huge massive errors compared to the known chemical standard reference solutions. Now one cheapy test kit may have a decent level of accuracy and repeatability, however, yours may not.

The accuracy and repeatability with the Hach and Lamotte brands is very high.

Basically, you get what you pay for.
You can do DIY CO2 also, but gas tanks are lot easier and more stable.

You can and should test the test kit prior to use.
Especially if you use a cheapo test kit.

To do this, you will want to learn how to make a reference solution, or perhaps someone will sell you some of theirs.

See LeftC's post on making this for NO3 and PO4.
For CO2, well, this is a long old issue and problematic, however, things are getting a little better, still, your eye is about the best test for this once you in the ball park. See the pH drop checker method with KH reference(these are sold by folks here and on line).

I really do not think anyone needs a test kit other than perhaps for CO2 really. Plenty of methods to get around testing.

If you do a non CO2 planted tank method or use Excel, then there's no need for any test kit really.

You can still use them, but they are only as good as their accuracy/repeatability.

So basically you get what you pay for here and the method you chose determines whether you need a test kit or not.

1)
KH is alkalinity, Lamotte makes a decent one
GH, same as above
NO3, as above
PO4, you can use Lamotte, Hach or Merck
pH(measuring CO2 indirectly), most narrow range Bromo blue methods work, but a KH ref and Bromo blue and drop checker address that continuously for 2-3 weeks.

2)
None, CO2 the most of any(if used), so the drop checker perhaps

3)
Several sell the KH ref solution, see RexGrigg.com

Regards,
Tom Barr

Beancurd said:

I was reading about tests that are 'titration' that are easier for color blind folks to use.

Click to expand...

The Lamotte Alkalinity test (for KH) that Tom mentioned above is a titration test. I can't speak for the others he mentioned, but I have that one. And I'm not color blind... I'm color challenged (minor color blindness). So for me, that test is a god-send when it comes to knowing my KH, and subsequently my CO2 ppm. And BTW, it's wicked accurate.

For the pH side of that little calculation, I've given up on chemical tests and rely on a frequently calibrated electronic dip stick from Hanna. It also is wicked accurate.

Those solutions aren't cheap. But if you have trouble with color, they are good solutions.

After a few years in this hobby, I find it hard to place a value on shifting from "thinking" and "hoping" that I understand my KH/pH/CO2 ppm, to "knowing" those measurements. It matters.