Water testing kit preference

missionaryman

I've been using the five in one testing strips in my small 1000ltr IBC system. I know they usually don't check for amonia but was wandering if anyone has thoughts about the strips. I haven't had a fish die in about a year so the main thing i check for is if there is enough grow media to produce enough nitrates to see if i can expand the grow beds. Usually from the internet research i see the liquid test kits used. Also those using those types are trying to sell them as well which leads me to take what they say with a grain of salt. With a large system planned for the future does anyone see a problem? Any thoughts on the subject?

Thanks

MM

4xjbh

Most I believe use the API master test kit with the 7 bottles and 4 test tubes. They do 800 tests and it has been said they work out cheaper. I have not used the test strips but some have commented they are not as accurate.

bunson

4xjbh wrote:

I have not used the test strips but some have commented they are not as accurate.

I initially had the strips and I used to get odd results, so I dunked 5 strips into the water at the same time, held them there for the same time, did everything just the same, and ended up with 5 different results, then I went down to BYAP and bought the Freshwater Master Test Kit, came home and did a test; none of the strips matched the Master Kit results. The strips went into the bin about 5 seconds later.

The only thing I have changed from the Master Kit is I use an electronic pH meter for daily monitoring but still use the Master Kit for the remainder of tests for weekly monitoring.

A downside: There is no "use by" or "best before" information on the bottles, but the results get less accurate as the chemicals get "old" and because the bottles last a long time even with daily monitoring, you end up throwing out half full indicator bottles after about 18 months or so to replace them with fresh chemicals.

RupertofOZ

The strip test are barely reliable... even if freshly brought, and stored correctly....

Overtime they become even more unreliable....

Use the API test kit...

bunson

bunson wrote:

A downside: There is no "use by" or "best before" information on the bottles, but the results get less accurate as the chemicals get "old" and because the bottles last a long time even with daily monitoring, you end up throwing out half full indicator bottles after about 18 months or so to replace them with fresh chemicals.

From the manufacturer of the API Freshwater Master Test Kit:

http://www.apifishcare.co.uk/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=186 wrote:

Each bottle of reagent has a Lot # printed on the bottle towards the top. The last four digits of this Lot # are the month and year of manufacture.

•Ammonia, nitrate, and high-range pH test reagents will last 3 years from the manufactured date.
•Nitrite test reagents will last 4 years from the manufactured date.
•Low-range pH test reagents will last 5 years from the manufactured date.

How long the test bottle lasts once it is opened depends on individual circumstances, but as a rule bottles should be discarded within 12 months of opening.

Sadly, I note that two bottles of indicator recently purchased from our friendly locals are actually 5 months expired (now, probably three months when purchased)

Scott

Charlie

Valuable information Bunson :thumbright:

bythebrook

Probably not the right place, but I typed the instructions for the API kit into a Word document so I can actually read it without glasses. I keep it in a clear cover with a table for the test results. If anybody wants a copy of the instructions or the table, PM me with your email address (or tell me how to put a Word doc on the forum).

faye

I will check on that Bunson as we do rotate our stock, I'll keep you posted.

Puggy

As suggested I use the API Master Freshwater Test Kit, great layout, easy instructions. I usaully get it for around $44 online, so look around it can be much better priced than instore.

bunson

<commentary>
Although I sometimes shop online, if I have the choice I will try to support local small businesses. If we don't support our local businesses, they will close and all we'll have left are the big companies (which may or may not collude in their pricing models, and may or may not impede fair competition in the market place) and cheap overseas imports. Sure, if I'm being gouged for price I will choose the lower price vendor, but I certainly don't mind paying a "small" margin to help support my local economy. It would be great if a few more people did too, or at least put some thought into how and where they shop instead of going on autopilot. Some of my local stores are "gems" and I will be saddened if they don't succeed; it will be our community's loss if they were forced to close.
</commentary>

Charlie

I think bying from BYAP is some way a nice gester and support for all the free and valuable information they provide for us through the buisness and interactive forum.

Just my 2c

:thumbright:

rsevs3

+1

I buy most of my hardware from my local hardware store and anything more AP specific (pumps/air/media) from BYAP. I spend way to much time here not to support it

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