Test Kits

[maddog10]

I have noticed a lot of discussion on the Forum about dosing for certain chemicals and compounds. What are you using to test for these, just standard aquarium test kits?

[krisw]

Most of us just use regular tests when starting out, or when there's a problem. Once you establish the baseline amount to dose a given tank, most of time, it's possible to use the plants/glass as an indicator. For example, green spot algae = not enough phosphate, dose more P. Leaves wrinkled/holes, probably need more K. Plants look anemic, add iron. Cyanobacteria shows up, probably lacking N. Hair/fuzz algae, you're either dosing way too much, or not enough.

Of course, all of these are generalizations, but they often do the trick. If the problem continues, water change. If it still continues, pull out the test kits. If you have fancy kits, great, but most of the aquarium pharm. ones work decently enough to be of use.

[Jeff120]

If you want quality, accurate test kits get Lamotte, they are pricey though.

AP has decent ones as well, I have a NO3 that is pretty accurate to my Lamotte

Here are the ones that you want:

NO3-AP kit is decent, Lamotte better

PO4-Seachem makes a good one, again Lomotte I hear is good, but a low PO4 is fairly easy to tell, no real need for a high end kit IMO

KH-AP, cheap on is fine

PH-cheap one works

GH-cheap one

[maddog10]

Thanks guys!

[maddog10]

Are any of the upcoming talks going to be about dosing or ferts?