Full testing kit

[mitchell101]

I am going to buy a full testing kit for my axolotls.
Just clarifying what i need and how much it should cost.
I know i need Nitrate, Nitrate, PH, Chlorine and Chloramine and Ammonia any others?
What brand should i get and is it better to get a whole kit or buy separately.
It doesn't really matter how much it costs i just want the best one for my axies.

 

[Jacquie]

I know i need Nitrate, Nitrate, PH, Chlorine and Chloramine and Ammonia any others?
What brand should i get and is it better to get a whole kit or buy separately.

Buying them together in a set is often cheaper than buying individually.

API 'Freshwater Master Test Kit' can be purchased for around $40-60 depending where you go. This master kit has all the important test tube kits: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH and high pH.

Paying for each kit separately you would be looking anywhere from $20-35 for each one. The master test kit will save you quite a bit of money.

The Ammonia test is the priority.

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Mitchell,

Firstly you want to get a test kit that uses colorimetric solution rather than dipsticks. The solution type test kit is much more accurate.

You can acquire the kit as a set that would include most importantly tests for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Some kits will include test for pH. These 4 are really all you need. However if you grow live plants, you might want to have a test for phosphates.

Presence of chlorines, chloramines, heavy metals are neutralised whenever you use a good water ager or dechlorinator. I would advise you invest in a good quality product rather than purchase a test kit to test for them. I use "Prime" which i find does a good job.

Cheers

 

[mitchell101]

I found this site http://www.aquaticlifeaquariums.com.au/index1.html.
Do i get just the API Freshwater Master Test Kit or should i get also a phosphate, GH and GK test kits.
I have only one plant so i don't think phosphate will be needed but I'm not sure.
Thanks

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi mitchell,

Just the freshwater test kit will do. Im so envious, that is one good looking master test kit by the way!

Regards.

 

[mitchell101]

Hi mitchell,

Just the freshwater test kit will do. Im so envious, that is one good looking master test kit by the way!

Regards.

Thanks.
I'm going to buy the kit tomorrow!

 

[geosheets]

Perhaps the rest of the world does not use copper like we do in the US. I like to test my source water for copper also. I am always soldering something on my copper plumbing and since I always have inverts of some sort, I'm fearful of copper getting into my source water. Usually not an issue unless there is some new plumbing but I test for it anyways.