Water testing stuff?

Wallaby

This looks pretty spiffy for pretty cheap... Does it look like a good deal to all you expierenced fish people?




Mardel Freshwater LiveMeter Master Test Kit

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• Combines the test strip technology of Live NH3 and Live pH with a liquid crystal thermometer in one sensor
• Convenient slide indicators remind you when it's time to replace the sensor
• Helps you maintain healthy water by constantly monitoring pH and ammonia, and providing immediate response to harmful pH changes and toxic ammonia levels
• The advanced crystal liquid thermometer allows water temperature to be monitored inside the tank, not on the outside glass
• For freshwater use only

Thanks!

Edit: You have replace it every 6 weeks about...

aunt kymmie

It uses strips, which I think I highly inaccurate. I still think the API Master Test Kit is the way to go.

Wallaby

Hmmm...maybe I'll get that thing and liquid test stuff to double check it... Haha
I agree though, I had a strip test thingy that told me there was no chlorine in my tap water when you can taste the chlorine...Lame.

Thanks for your quick reply!

Tyyrlym

Having the LCD thermometer on the inside takes care of most of the inaccuracy of that particular technology but I'm not wild about the test media needing to be replaced. How long can you count on it giving accurate readings? It's no cheaper than a liquid test kit and once you factor in replacement cartridges it winds up being more expensive.

And also, it's kinda ugly. Just testing once a week keeps me from having to have that thing sitting in my aquarium.

GuppyColorMaker

I'm gonna jump in here :DD

I am possibly getting a 29gal or a 10gal for x-mas, and I need a water testing kit for cycling. Many questions about this.

1)What testing kit (under 10$) would you reccomend for both tanks?
2)Would the appliances(heater, filter, thermomiter, ect)/decor(rocks, plants, ect) be inside the tank during the cycling process?
3)Is there any simple way to read a test strip? I've always been the kind of fish person whose like "Okay throw the fish in the bowl full of tap water he'll be fine" kinda thing. I begged and pleaded to get a filter, and heaters shall come. Anyway, the test strips tend to be(from what i've heard) difficult to read, so I've always just ignored it. Would a digital tester work?

aunt kymmie

1. You really need to spend a few extra bucks and get this:

Freshwater Master Test Kit

Strips aren't accurate. I've never used them; I've just heeded the advice given here on the forum.

2. Yes, all decorations, etc. are in the tank when you begin the cycle. The bacteria grows on objects, not in the water column.

3. It's not "okay" to throw a fish into tap water and think he'll be "okay". Please read up on this in the forum on why this isn't "okay". It's a more lengthy explanation than I care to type (tired) at the moment. Sorry, someone else will be able to give a better, concise explanation on why it's not "okay". Okay??

iamntbatman

Don't get that Mardel thing. It's total crap. It's even less accurate than paper test strips and it can start to fall apart in your tank and cause a huge mess. Plus, as was mentioned, it's pretty darn expensive when compared to a liquid test kit.

To answer GCM's questions:
1) There's no good test kit for under $10. Usually a box of 5-in-1 test strips will run you about $15 at a store but these strips are inaccurate and don't test for ammonia. The ammonia strips will run you another $10. The liquid kit is $30 in stores but gives you about 100 tests instead of 25 and includes an ammonia test. Plus, you can buy it online for about $15. The API kit is really the best balance between user-friendliness and accuracy.

2) Yep, everything would be in the tank during cycling except the fish. Decorations and the filter provide surfaces for the bacteria to grow on and the heater increases the rate at which the bacteria reproduce, speeding up your cycle.

3) Test strips are very easy to read. You just dip it in the water and compare it to the color chart to get a reading. However, they're just plain inaccurate. The liquid kits give you a much better reading. It's just a matter of following the instructions in the kit closely and matching up colors.

Wallaby

Thanks! I won't waste my money then! =D