Collect water or directly dip?

Is it harmful to the tank to dip an aquarium test strip directly into the tank's water instead of taking a water sample to test?

 

Most likely. Id take some water out, put it into a glass or cup and then dip it. The strips are very inaccurate your better off getting a test kit.

 

Awesome, thanks. I know my boyfriend thinks I'm insane with how cautious I'm being, but I really want this tank to thrive.

I think I'll just bring it up to my LFS since it's free anyhow...

 

Really don't know for sure but I would feel a lot safer taking water out and then throwing it down the drain after the test. You never know what chemicals are on those strips that could get in you water column.

 

Yeah, the lfs tests are 100% more accurate, saves you all the stress and money aswel

 

Ummm....you want to have your own liquid test kits at home. Unless you they show you the exact outcome of the tests your LFS testing your water is kinda pointless. Most either say good, fine, or bad. When you have a problem with your tank and need help, you will need to test the water yourself to give us information on here. Liquid test kits are also more accurate and cost less than the strip tests.

Rocheal, I would just take water out of the tank to test then throw it down the drain. better safe than sorry.

 

i agree with xmetal.


I'll add that IME test strips are just as accurate as guessing. I recommend you just throw them away. You want this tank to thrive, then don't rely on tools that are prone to error (test strips and hydrometers).

 

if your only doing fish only saltwater.. you'll probly want PH, Nitrates, Salinity test first..

some companys like API sell saltwater master kit with like 4 test kits in the box for around $30 bucks..

if doing corals down the line, you'll want calcium, phosphates, mag, (dKH) hardness test kits.. API reef master kit $30 bucks plus another $20 for mag test kit..
and you'll need to buy calcium booster, epsom salt (mag booster) etc..

 

I appreciate all the help. I am going to get a test kit...