Test Kits

[georgia]

i am currently letting my new tank cycle, i understand i need to test my ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels to know when it is complete, and that ph is needed also. would anyone recommend a certain brand of test kit as better or better value??

 

[brian]

I use Hagn test kits. They are cheap and easy to use, and accurate. You can pick up a basic set of kits for $30 Canadian (not sure what that works out to in Australian dollars), which will include ammonia, nitrite, pH, and hardness. Why it doesn't come with a nitrate kit I'll never know, but the nitrate kit is around $10. Be sure to check expiration dates on the chemicals, though, before you use them. See if the store will let you check before you buy them even. That goes for any test kit, regardless of brand.

 

[georgia]

thanks brian! much appreciated!

 

[colin]

also remember that liquid test kits have a shelf life of about 6 months after opening

 

[peter]

hi georgia

i use a "freshwater master test kit" which i think was about $45.00. it tests for pH (6.0-7.4 range), pH (7.4-8.8 range), ammonia, nitrITE and nitrATE. i also use a carbonate hardness reagent which cost $15.90.
these kits have 37ml volumes for each bottle.


peter

 

[georgia]

thankyou everyone!!