Co op test strip vs API GH & KH test solution results

[Kevin1456]

I'll start by saying I know ACO tests and retests any product that carries their name. That being said, has anyone else had a wide variation in results between their dip strips and API liquid testing kit for KH & GH?

My GH with a fresh API test solutions shows 6 degrees time and time again my ACO test strip shows it at 300ppm   or after conversion almost 17 degrees in other words I have moderate soft water per API and pretty hard water per ACO.  All my other water numbers are in line for a planted tank. At first I thought I tested too soon after adding my ferts but I waited 12 hours and retested with the same results

The results on all the other tests are close if not spot on. if this is the only drawback I have to say the ACO strips are so much easier than dragging out the API and the clean up afterward

[jwcarlson]

I don't say this disparagingly or anything.  I use the test strips daily most of the time.

But I don't look at anything below the nitrate and nitrite test.  I'm off scale both GH and KH.  And I cannot tell what color my pH is on the strips, it looks like it could be anything from 6.5 to 8, honestly.

But the nitrate and nitrite tests seem very sensitive.  I haven't bothered comparing to API kit except for hardness.  Mine are 18/16 or 20/18, can't remember.  Either way, it's way off scale for the strips so it returns some weird color.

I use them strictly as a "what's going on?" test.  Dip them in and look immediately.  If there's A LOT of nitrite or nitrate they'll start turning pink immediately.  If they're both white when I wait and check again after 30 seconds or a minute.  Basically I'm just looking for qualitative from the strips (there's nitrite in my tank) vs quantitative (there's 2 ppm nitrite in my tank).

Because the action doesn't really much change what my action is going to be, I'm not too worried about specifics.  If I test and have unexpected nitrites, I'm doing a big water change either way.  If it's 0.5 ppm or 2 ppm, my action is going to be the same.

I also do the same with the ammonia test strips.  I'm just looking for a simple is it there or not answer.

What I'd really like is a strip that just does ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

[TMartins]

I have the same issues with GH and pH.  The ACO test strips pH reads 6.8 and the API reads 7.4.  The GH reads 300 all the time, way higher then API 2 degrees (I have very soft water).  The other issue I have is with Nitrates.  API will read 40-50 ppm while the ACO test strips at 60 seconds reads half that.  I have to wait 2-3 minutes and then the test strips will match the API results.  As far as the pH is concerned I have read in the Forum that some city/towns add chemicals that can skew the test strip pH results.  I still use the test strips because they’re quick and I know what to look for and adjust accordingly, pH is close enough and I just wait 2-3 minutes for the Nitrate results.

[Kevin1456]

Glad I’m not alone, thanks

[Guppysnail]

On 2/23/2022 at 8:18 AM, jwcarlson said:

I don't say this disparagingly or anything.  I use the test strips daily most of the time.

But I don't look at anything below the nitrate and nitrite test.  I'm off scale both GH and KH.  And I cannot tell what color my pH is on the strips, it looks like it could be anything from 6.5 to 8, honestly.

But the nitrate and nitrite tests seem very sensitive.  I haven't bothered comparing to API kit except for hardness.  Mine are 18/16 or 20/18, can't remember.  Either way, it's way off scale for the strips so it returns some weird color.

I use them strictly as a "what's going on?" test.  Dip them in and look immediately.  If there's A LOT of nitrite or nitrate they'll start turning pink immediately.  If they're both white when I wait and check again after 30 seconds or a minute.  Basically I'm just looking for qualitative from the strips (there's nitrite in my tank) vs quantitative (there's 2 ppm nitrite in my tank).

Because the action doesn't really much change what my action is going to be, I'm not too worried about specifics.  If I test and have unexpected nitrites, I'm doing a big water change either way.  If it's 0.5 ppm or 2 ppm, my action is going to be the same.

I also do the same with the ammonia test strips.  I'm just looking for a simple is it there or not answer.

What I'd really like is a strip that just does ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

Ditto this to a T 👏