Water Test

[chrisb430]

Wondering what are some of the better water test to use? They have test strips, Red sea, API,Test Meter that stick to the glass, Probes?? Reason why i ask is my test are always different then the LFS??

 

[salt210]

what tests is your LFS using? remember that these things have a expiration date on them. API kits are known to have their issues, but they are the ones that I used with my tank

 

[srfisher17]

IMO & IME; other than lab grade tests, there will always be some differences from different test kits--often just in the way they are read. If its a dig difference, thats one thing, but don't sweat small discrepancies. Water params don't have to be perfect and I've seen many hobbiests go nuts trying to achieve them. I like SeaChem tests, many folks prefer Sailfert. IMO, strips are worthless and probes are more expense than you need. However, if you want to spend the $ and are sure they are properly calibrated, electronic probes are great. BTW, I wouldn't use a lfs results as gospel.

 

[btldreef]

I rarely trust the answers a LFS gives a customer unless it's an LFS that they really know and trust. Out of the numerous LFS's in my area, only one will give me accurate results, the rest will feed me a bunch of BS just to buy some expensive product to help solve some imaginary problem with my water parameters.
Test strips are GARBAGE. The only time I ever use a test strip is to get a quick reading of ammonia when acclimating a new fish.
The API test kit is easy to use and is readily available and is the one that I tend to recommend the most. Every test kit has their issues, not just API, but you'll get a consistent reading that's fairly accurate with this brand and when you run out of a bottle, you'll be able to replace it easily.
For Calcium and Magnesium, I prefer the Red Sea Pro and/or Salifert tests, but the API works as well.
As for salinity readings, get yourself a refractometer!

 

[chrisb430]

Thanks I use API now as it is. I use strips too but just for a quick refrence. I use 3 LFS and they all use different test. and they always come out with different test then my API. But fish are swiming and coral is doing good so i am sure my water is fine!