pretty easy, convenient, and quick to perform tests. no test tube or droppers needed!
I have another test kit that tests other factors, and it is annoying to count the drops, shake, and check the color. This one tester is easier and more convenient to use. Only 4 factors on this tests is pertinent to a reef tank: nitrate, nitrite, ph, hardness/kh. However, I can test all 4 in the same time that it would take for me to count drops for a single test.
After a while, I got used to the husbandry needs of the tank. I can typically tell by the water quality by looking at the corals.
Once in a while I like to test the water to make sure, but typically, everything is in good shape. For these times, I also take a single test and cut it up into 2-3 smaller strips to use less. These seems to work fine, however, it is noteworthy to know that less water is probably being sampled, and it may be a not be an accurate measurement. So far, I have not noticed any problems.
Some of the colors are difficult to distinguish, so if anyone has any problems with matching shades of color, this can be difficult. At least when you count the drops, you can get a more accurate measurement (however, in some of the drop test, you still have to compare different shades of colors).
On of the difficult color readings in this tester is the ph, I have difficulty in distinguishing the readings. However, with a small nano tank and the amount of water I change every week, the kh level is normal which makes me less concerned on which of the 2 shades that my ph is in.I've been using test strips for years. Sometimes I use Mardel Test Strips, but the latest batch is the Jungle brand. The difference between the two is these test for chlorine and the Mardels don't. Chlorine isn't a big deal for me right now. I guess I just reach for the first test strips I see as I run through the store.
Regardless, dip, wait a few seconds, read, wait a few more seconds and read the one that takes longer. No big deal.
I do confess that I reached a point where I didn't trust the strips. No particular reason other than random doubt. So, I bought Freshwater Test Kit and Freshwater Hardness Test Kit ('cause the other didn't test hardness). The new test kits have test tubes and droppers and stuff. Not tough to use, but not nearly as easy as the test strips. End result the test strips were fine.
Still, I'm glad to have verified the results. It took away one point of uncertainty.
I'm posting this review (slightly edited) for the Mardel strips too because I use both brands interchangeably.
Buy 6-IN-1 QUICK DIP TEST STRIPS 25 COUNT - TK880 Now
We have an African Ciclid tank and that fish is particular about wanting hard water with a high pH. We find dipping these strips much more convenient and less messy than filling jars with water and counting drops of chemicals. We also don't worry about any chemical bottles getting into the hands of our children. The scale is not exactly precise so you might end up debating where your tank pH is sitting when the color on the strip is something between the colors on the scale. It seems accurate enough, the fish have no complaints. Read the directions. If you leave the strips for longer than 60 seconds before comparing the pads to the scale, be aware that many of the colors will continue to develop and readings will be incorrect.Read Best Reviews of 6-IN-1 QUICK DIP TEST STRIPS 25 COUNT - TK880 Here
THESE HANDS DOWN WORK THE BEST TAKES LIKE 20 SECONDS AND TELLS YOU ALL THE TEST THAT NEED TO BE DONE IN WATER.. U GET 25 STRIPS BUT ITS WELL WORTH ITWant 6-IN-1 QUICK DIP TEST STRIPS 25 COUNT - TK880 Discount?
I have previously used the Mardel 5 test strips, but based on a good price at the time and wanting it sooner(prime eligible) I went with this.The strips work as most strips do. The only thing I don't like is that you have to peel the label away from the bottle to do the color match, but that is a lame thing for me to complain about.
The description is accurate it is what it is. Like all test strips, they expire, so getting a huge count of strips can be a waste of money. This seems like a good set to do a test dip twice a month or so.


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