What is your favorite nitrate test kit?

[Supermassive]

I've only used the one that comes in the API master test kit. I don't like it very much and I'm going to run out soon so I'm wondering what people like. I would prefer something with more precision. Its hard to tell exactly what its at when its between 20-40 and also 40-80 on the API test.

[Supermassive]

@Pepere Ah okay that is a good idea. I will try that next time. Thank you.

[tolstoy21]

API drop test. Absolute worst water test to have to perform, but most accurate in my experience if you do all the shakey-shaking correctly, meaning if you follow the directions and don't try any short cuts. And I agree, the colors can be hard to read, but I have yet to find anything I like better and trust more.

Edited November 9, 2023 by tolstoy21

[Kurt Brutting]

I really like Aquarium Co Op’s test strips. Since I started using around 2 years ago I have not used anything else. In my opinion if you keep them dry they are super reliable. 

[Guppysnail]

On 11/9/2023 at 6:17 PM, Kurt Brutting said:

I really like Aquarium Co Op’s test strips. Since I started using around 2 years ago I have not used anything else. In my opinion if you keep them dry they are super reliable. 

Same here. I have seachem, api drops and Hanna digital. Since I verified the coop test strips against those three quite a few time and found them reliable… the rest now just collect dust. 

[Supermassive]

Thanks for sharing everyone. Next time I order from aquarium coop I'll consider getting some test strips. Though I'll probably just get more of the API test since I can get it locally. And Ill definitely be using that 50% dilution trick to get more refined results. 

[Galabar]

I hate the shaking needed for the API test.  I just use the ACO test strips.  You can do a test with the API test kit and compare it to what you see on the ACO test strip.  Once you have that "calibration," you can just use the ACO test strip...

[ange]

If I'm testing frequently I'm going to choose an ACO test strip every time. Usually that level of testing happens when I am monitoring a problem or monitoring nitrates after making a major change in the tank that impacts my fertilizer dosing. If I'm in the first stage of troubleshooting a problem or taking an initial measurement for the day while monitoring I'll use the API liquid test.