I Compared Tetra Easy Strips To API Nitrate Test So You Don't Have To
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Check out my other channel, "Dan's Outdoors And More" at the link below:
/ @dansoutdoorsandmore3183
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 Aquarium Test Strips: amzn.to/3mQsXAB
API Nitrate Test Kit: amzn.to/3zDpAAB
Patreon: / danielhiteshew
Aquatic Plants for sale: danielhiteshew@gmail.com
I work at the aquarium Co-op did extensive testing on this and developed their own test strips a while back. I think they're tough strips are like $20 or so for 200. And the tests were shown to be at just as accurate as the API kit
Take the strips cut them down the middle and double your strips. Would recommend sharp ✂️
Great video. I’ve always used the dip strips and always thought maybe I’m missing out not using the vials.
I have several aquariums, so months ago I did a comparison between the API Master Kit & the Tetra Strips. I found that there was little discrepancy in the readings between the Tetra Strips & the API Master Kit.
For someone that has 18 tanks i too can say i agree with pretty much everything discussed in the video. I have always found that the test strips give me an accurate reading thats good enough to determine my next course of action. I have never had any issues with the strips. With that being said i dont use them. For some reason i used up all my strips and just never replaced them. I have just been utilizing the master test kit from API. Idk they both work good enough for what i need them for.
I only use the strips for quick nitrate test as less tedious than API and accurate enough. I prefer API titration drops for pH, kH and gH since I remineralize and buffer my RO water. PH of 6.3 looks identical to 6.8 on the strips so worthless when doing a water change.
Good video. You can always cut strips in half so last longer.
Well for example with the API master test kit, instead of using 5 ml of water for 10 drops of nitrate liquid, you can use 1 ml of water for 2 drops of nitrate liquid.
I like the test strips. It’s convenient, which means I’ll do it more often. I don’t need it that precise. 🙂
Good video mate. You know you can get test strip's designed for drinking water and they are more accurate and cheaper again.
I plan on finding cheaper ones. I just wanted to do a video using brand names to start with.
u should try aquarium co-op test strips they also test for chlorine and it comes with 200 tests for $17.99 I believe. I think they are the best
I ordered some really cheap ones from Amazon. I'm going to compare them to API drops and the EasyStrips from Tetra
@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly sounds good I'll be watching that video to
Great video. Been waiting for this one.
I use the API test strips.
Not to mention for the drop kits, the accidental missed or extra drop where you'll have to start all over to getan acurate test.
A good way to make sure that never happens is to squeeze some air out while the bottle is in the upright then flip it over and put drops in. After you put all the drops in just release the bottle a little bit and the air will suck back up inside preventing more drops from coming out
The Tetra Strips are very convenient and accurate. Personally, am a liquid man, so the API liquid test kit is my preference. If I had as many aquariums as you do, Dan, I can definitely see why the test strips would be ideal. 📉📈📊💹📉 BTW, on a side note, we received about 7 inches of rain from the remnants of the storm 'Ida" yesterday. It was interesting to test the water parameters of my outside fish-breeding tubs, with such a dilution of water. Surely needs some buffering to be added. Good video. 👍
I don't know the amount, but we got dumped on yesterday too. Now it feels like November. It's in the 60's here.
Nice work Dan. I have both API and Sera strips. I think the API is slightly more sensitive but strips are so much more convenient.
I want to try test strips but I don't know which ones to order
I cut the test strip in half. A little tedious, but double for my money works for me.
I do that too, I saw it in another UA-camrs video.
I came to the same conclusion. It's even better because if you want you can cut the strips in half. But anyway, they're just so much faster and easier to get several measures at once, I can't see myself bothering with the liquid tests.
Agree that the test strips are more than fine and accurate compared to the api master kit. I test each tank weekly with a strip under the idea of making sure things are as expected. It’s really just a quick way to get piece of mind that all is good. If something did look off I’d take the api master kit out for a little deeper dive. Once a tank is mature, and you have not made or had any changes, as your talking about, your primarily wanting to know how the nitrates sit. I also want to know that ph is where I think it is. Between tetra test strips and api test strips my experience has been that tetra strips test higher nitrate than api strips. The other categories seem about the same. If tetra tests at 20 ppm, api always tests at 5 or barely registering. Often tetra will suggest it’s time for a water change on my severum tank (getting towards 40) and with api it suggests it’s like 15-20. Ironically the tetra strips test closer to api master kit then api strips, for nitrates specifically. My experience…
Thanks!
Thank you!
I like the API test strips.
I'm so glad that you did this. Very informative. However, I usually see the Nitrates as higher on the API vs Tetra. I'm mostly sure it's how I'm reading the API. I know it must be silly but can you do a video on how best to read the API?
Hold the vial an inch in front of the card so light can get behind it. The color temp of the light you're using will affect how the test looks too. A soft white bulb will give a much redder appearance.
@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly I do have a white light. I'll try without it. Thanks.
I was having problem with API test kit. So I spent a few months trying, comparing various brands of strips. Now I only use JBL, don't know if you get them in US.
I didn't like the tetra ones, or API strips personally.
I haven’t tested in over 15 years. I add nitrate to fertilize my plants, but I’ve also been over feeding to keep certain fish from eating the plants. I’m going to pick up some strips to see where it’s at.
You want to make those test strips last? Cut them in half length wise and now you got twice the amount.
How long should you wait to read the color on the strips?
Usually within 30 seconds. Some results are almost instant though.
Thanks. I noticed it gets darker with more time.
👌❤
I pay about 25 dollars for 25 strips. The 5 in 1.
That's expensive but at least cut them in half, you'll get 50 strips for 25 bucks