Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Can anyone recommend an economical but effective water testing kit available in the U.S.A.? I've seen some kits by API that got favorable reviews, but I want to be certain what I get will perform all the necessary tests.

Also, has anyone played with digital testers and, if so, what is your opinion of these?

Many thanks for any help,
Jaymen

API are the favoured reagent test kit. Look for one with Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and pH. These are your basics and is a cheap test kit that most use.

A floating thermometer is also a good addition.

Down the track you may find you want a salinity refractometer, look for one with automatic temperature control.

If you find yourself getting more inquisitive and want to play more -things like iron, potassium, GH, KH, phosphorous, EC, DO etc are some others you may want to test for. There are some digital meters for certain parameters but they are usually pricey. Some run into the $1000's which isn't particularly suited to the backyarder.

So if you want economical, go for the API test kits.

I have reviews of aquaponic appropriate water testing kits on my blog. Link is in my signature...

Thanks, all. I got the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. It's supposed to test for pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. I saw something on the reviews about some customers having problems with expired chemicals so I'll have to check the dates, but otherwise it has a very good set of reviews on Amazon (4.5/5 average from nearly 900 reviews).