testing kit and normal ranges

[brooklyn]

i still need to get a water testing kit soon, so im wondering what is the best brand? i've seen people talkin about the API on the forum so would that be the best? also how often should i test the water? and what should the normal ranges be for a GSP tank at a SG of 1.011?

[brooklyn]

also since im at a SG of 1.011 rite now and am slowly converting to saltwater, should i get the saltwater kit?

[LilGreenPuffer]

The ideal levels? Ammonia and nitrite MUST be 0 at all times. Nitrates must be under 20ppm; under 10 is even better. It doesn't matter what the specific gravity is - these are pretty much the guidelines for all fish. (There are a few fish out there that will tolerate only trace nitrate, but you don't need to worry about them. )

Frequency? In a well-established tank, I only monitor nitrates, and then only on occasion - unless I see something wrong or if I believe that the biofilter could have somehow been compromised. In newer tanks, I test every week or so. And in a brand-new, freshly-cycled tank, I check every day.

Brand? I use API and I like it.

[Remy]

I just bought a test strip kit, its the 5 in 1 kind. It has General Hardness, Carbonate Hardness, pH, Nitrite and Nitrate. I know I need to monitor pH and Nitrate/Nitrite levels, but I'm not too sure about the GH and KH levels. Should I worry about those or does anyone know the proper levels for GSP's?

[RTR]

Test strips cannot be trusted. They are neither reliable nor accurate.

[Remy]

So whats your recommendation?

[J-P]

liquid test kits ..or if you have the $$ go for digital (just remember to zero out the digital ones before each use)

[kilofey]

i agree... i was using the test strips too.... then everyone convinced me on here to go for the liquid, so i caved and bought one... let me tell you, SOOOO much easier to read omigosh... with the test strips i was like well maybe my ammonia is 0... or it could be .5... uhhh, ill go with 0. lol, when colors are similar, you tend to go with the color you want it to be, and sometimes thats not what it really is... and to brooklyn, i use API... i think a lot of people on here do too... it can be trusted

[busybones]

I use API FW master kits. It has yet to fail me that I'm aware of.

[brooklyn]

ok so if im at a SG of 1.011 right now and am slowly converting to SW should i get freshwater or saltwater test kit?

[Pufferpunk]

Go with SW.

[kilofey]

hey that brings up a good question. when first switching to BW, at what point do you have to switch to a SW test kit? is it with the very first addition of salt to the tank or is there a specific SG where you have to start using one? just for personal knowledge in case i do end up deciding to go BW

[RTR]

Ask the manufacturer. They are likely to hedge anyway. But from about 1.010 up, I go with PP.s suggestion of the SW scales.

[brooklyn]

ok thanx guys