CARSGALOR

Hello,

I have had fish tanks for 20+ years but this is my first plant tank and I need some advice. I am looking for top quality test kits for my plant tank. I want to test for Iron, potassium, phosphorous and I am sure there are other things I should be testing. I am currently using an AP master Freshwater test kit for KH, GH, PH (to double check my pinpoint controller) and nitrates. I have been doing allot of reading but it is very confusing. For example...a good iron test kit. One claims to test for iron but is it FE++ or FE+++? Does it matter? I have read that plants can only use FE++ and in the ferric form FE+++, the plants cannot use it so I would want a test kit that only check for FE++..Correct????

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

MatPat

I'm sure some others will disagree but since you asked for TOP QUALITY test kits, Lamotte or Hach would be the way to go. I use Lamotte kits for NO3, PO4, Alkalinity (KH), and Calcium. I still use an AP kit for the GH, at least until it runs out .

I always seem to have trouble comparing red or blue colored solutions to a white card with colors on it so Lamotte's kits took this step out of the equation. Many have reported good luck with the inexpensive AP kits. If you are able to read them without second guessing yourself (something I could not do) then I see no need to use anything else.

I use a Hanna 98129 meter for my pH/TDS readings to double check my controllers. It is accurate but probably not needed since you have a PinPoint controller. I have multiple tanks so the meter is much easier than liquid kits.

Most folks don't bother with iron test kits since they are not very reliable. I have found that Dwarf Sag, and Myriophyllium mattogrossense make very good iron indicator plants. When the new growth on these two plants comes in lighter green, I increase the amount of iron (CSM+B) I add to the tank.

anonapersona

I suggest just going with the kits you have, not bothering with anything more than perhaps a phosphate test. The money for more accuracy is probably not worth it. A wide range of ferts is acceptable.

trenac

I agree with MatPat that Lamotte is one of the best test on the market. I have also heard goods things about Salifert.

In the beginning I recommend the use of test kits for those new to the hobby, however once you get comfortable with planted tanks you will use them less & less. I myself hardly ever use test kits, I go by the way my plants look which are the best indicators of what ferts need to be dosed.

The test kits that you will use the most are PH & KH, which also helps determine how much C02 is in your tank. Other test kits you will need are P04, N03 and maybe GH. Test kits for iron and potassium are not needed, waste of money.

The brands you use are up to you. Any of the more common test kits like Redsea, Tetratest, AP are accurate enough for PH, KH, GH. For testing N03 you may want to pay more and get the Lamotte brand. For P04 Seachem works good for me.