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ISO: Aquarium Water Quality Test Kit Recommendations


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#1 SergeantOldSchool

SergeantOldSchool
  • NANFA Guest

Posted 24 July 2020 - 06:51 PM

I will be setting up a 180g 'uniquarium' soon.  It is an overflow style system that instead of a sump or refugarium below the main tank, it will be all self-contained within the outer dimensions of the main tank.  The overflows will be to floss or open cell, then overflow to a drip pan that feeds bio materials (bio balls or ceramics), then returned via sump style pumps (x2) to the tank using an adjustable nozzle.

The biotope I'm aiming to re-create is that of the Missouri Ozarks clear-water streams, rivers, creeks and intermittents.  I will also be stocking from those same waters.

What water quality test kits would carry your recommendations, and what quirks have you found in using them?

I'm well versed in pool water test kits, built my own magnetic stir station and such, but I've gone a few years since my last aquarium and what I do find on the market now for test kits seem to be lacking from what I thought was a good kit.  I can't say I trust dip-stick style strips for much and am accustomed to drip-count reagents.

What can you recommend for kits and what insight could you provide for someone in my situation?  Though I could probably bumble my way through the process, I don't want any fish to pay the price for my bumblery.

 



#2 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 25 July 2020 - 09:09 AM

I use the API Master kit. I have no complaints. It is very helpful when doing fishless cycling. Lasts a long time. Cost about $23 on Amazon.


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#3 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 25 July 2020 - 11:29 AM

Oh, and glad you found us. Welcome.


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#4 gerald

gerald
  • Global Moderator
  • Wake Forest, North Carolina

Posted 28 July 2020 - 07:38 PM

Once it's cycled and planted, there shouldn't be much need for testing.  Use aragonite, crushed coral, or crushed oyster shell in a filter box or bag to keep your pH and hardness up.


Gerald Pottern
-----------------------
Hangin' on the Neuse
"Taxonomy is the diaper used to organize the mess of evolution into discrete packages" - M.Sandel


#5 SergeantOldSchool

SergeantOldSchool
  • NANFA Guest

Posted 02 August 2020 - 07:01 PM

I use the API Master kit. I have no complaints. It is very helpful when doing fishless cycling. Lasts a long time. Cost about $23 on Amazon.

That seems to be what I can find locally, as well.

 

Once it's cycled and planted, there shouldn't be much need for testing.  Use aragonite, crushed coral, or crushed oyster shell in a filter box or bag to keep your pH and hardness up.

I haven't tested my tap water yet so I don't know its pH but I do know we have hard water.






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