Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

What is your favorite water test kit? I have been using an "Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit" for a while and the tests seem reasonably accurate, but the thing that annoys me is the test tubes. On mine the plastic caps don't seal well and they leak when shaking the mixture. Normally that's not a big deal, but I don't like these chemicals getting all over the floor and my clothes. I know I don't have to use their test tubes and I can get my own, but when that kit runs out I will be in the market for another one and I want to know what others like to use.... something that doesn't leak .

Ehh... well not sure how hard you shake the mixture, but I normally just rock the liquid in the test tube from one end to the other end a few times and then leave it for 5 minutes (except pH which is immediate reading)... certainly I did not need to shake the mixture until I see bubbles...

The nitrate one is the one that requires a bit more mixing... certainly ensure the nitrate bottle 2 is securely tighten and shake it thoroughly before squeezing the required amount into the test tube, but after that still rock the liquid from side to side for a bit longer... if you like a litte quicker.... you don't need to mix it that vigourously. This is the only one that I might have liquid come out through the cap seal if I have overdone the shaking...

I don't know of any other kit I like better.

Here is my trick to help avoid the bit of leakage that tends to happen with the nitrate test. I have an old towel on the table I do my tests at. after I take the top off from shaking the first chemical in the nitrate test, I wipe the rim of the test tube on the edge of the towel so what escaped when I removed the cap won't be dripping down on my hands. That usually keeps it from dripping on my when I agitate the next step.

So, an old towel is my trick.

If I have to test I prefer those ones.. Never had a problem with leaks though, but then perhaps I don;t test enough to get leaks.

Just put your thumb over the cap while you shake it...

And don't shake it over your fish tank...