Differing opinions on test kits

So I have read on the forums that the test strips are garbage and do provide accurate measurements of nitrite or nitrate. However, the owner of my local fish store (who has been in business for 20 years, and at least seems to know his stuff) swears by them. It's all he uses for his tanks, and he tells me that they are 'medical grade' and actually better than a lot of the other kits available.

So what is the real deal? What is the best kit to test my nitrite and nitrate?

THANKS!!!!!

 

'best' is subjective. there are a lot of good ones out there. API's is pretty good and cost effective.

The API nitrite test is super easy.


Test strips are garbage. I can guess better than they can guess, er, I mean "test".

Some folks like them to just do quick spot tests in between regular tests I don't get that logic... they're still inaccurate whether a "spot" test or an "actual" test. They can give false positives and false negatives... can't be trusted IMO.


I assume you're cycling since you're still testing nitrites... just be sure you've been checking your ammonia too.

 

oh... and "medical grade"

WTF? Medical grade SW test kits? Nothing I ever heard of. If that LFS does primarily freshwater... well, FW is a heck of a lot more lenient with inaccuracies... so maybe he has no reason to not trust them... but with SW... toss 'em.

 

I've never used test strips so I won't say anything about them, I have used API and Salifert tests and like both. I started out using API, but have now replaced the API tests with a Salifert Ca, Mg and phosphate test kits. I still use API for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and ph. I like the Ca salifert better then the API b/c I feel it's more accurate. I feel the same about the salifert Mg and phosphate test kits. Eventually, I will probably only use Salifert, as they are good kits, but not as expensive as the Elos kits.

 

We have used the API test kits and they seem to be pretty accurate and dont cost an arm and a leg. The test strips seem to be a ballpark figure at best and I dont know what your LFS could mean by "medical grade".

 

I am lucky enough to come across many test kits, stripes and test equipment. IMO, use Salifert on Ammonia and NO2 and NO3 (not that frequent after tank is stable). Meter for pH (regular monitoring and they are not that expensive nowadays). If your tank is big and you are serious enough, give a shot on meters for CA, mag and Phos (ooh, the initial costs). Test Stripes are usually not that accurate from IMO any aquarium accessory vendors, especially those multi-readings type.

Mind the expiry date and storage requirements for test kits.

 

Thanks for all the replies!

Peredhil- Nope, I've been fully cycled for about a month now, but I figured it was still a good idea to be checking ammonia and nitrite (even thought I shouldn't have any) . Do you disagree?

 

oh no, it's always a good idea... as time goes on, and you have registered 0 ammonia and nitrites for a few months you may find your self bored with testing them so often...

over a year into it (for me) and i test ammonia and nitrites every 3 months or so... for no particular reason.