Frustrated with test kits

[palumbo]

Argh, I am so frustrated with stupid test kits! I have been testing the water in my nano tank every other day, and it's almost done cycling. Right now my stats are this:
Nitrate:10
Nitrite:drop test reads 0, dip stick type reads .25???
Ammonia:It's very hard to read with the drop test. It looks different in different light. The dip test reads about .25
pH:8.4
I use Aquarium Pharmeceuticals drop tests, and Mardel dip stick tests.
Does anyone else have a problem with these test kits? I'm not very good at distinguishing colors that are alike, so I'm having a problem knowing what's going on.

 

[tuningvis]

salifert makes very good test kits... check those out .. those sticks.. blow

 

[jonathan]

I have the same problems to with the home test strips and drop kits. I really makes me angry. My LFS has very advanced ways of testing and they do it for free. I go there often enogh to take a sample at leat once a week. Look for a place like that.

 

[palumbo]

Unfortunately, all the LFSs in my area use only the sticks:nope:
I'll probably try the other brand mentioned.
I tested today and the verdict is:
Ammoniacolor in the tube doesn't match at all to any colors on the chart. But, it is for sure between zero and .5pp,)
Nitrite:0
Nitrate:Either 5 or 10ppm, it's hard to tell
Calcium:400
Hurrah:happyfish

 

[jonathan]

Hey,
do you have any corals in your tank. If so how have they done with the nitrates at 5-10ppm. Just curious.

 

[mazdaspeed]

I have all aquarium pharimacuticals (sp) tests, alk, cal, ph, trites, trates, amo and I like them. When you look at them try to do it in a room that's mostly white and has decent lighting, I know that sounds kinda picky but if you want good results. I do all my tests in my bathroom, I've been using them for well over a month now and everything in my tank looks great. I have a large torch coral and a frosgspawn all have opened fully and look amazing. Stick with it and everything will work out for ya.

 

[palumbo]

Thanks for all the input