Who else keeps the api test strips just for quick shots?

[Mr. Roboto]

Yes I use and have all the Red Sea test and yes I use them on the regular but, I also keep the simple dip strips on hand just for quick test.

I don't break all the test out every day but I do tend to just swab one around every now and then during the week just for a quick glance.

I agree nobody should rely on them for overall health but for a quick shot I find they do a pretty good job if I want a quick glance. If the Nitrates register or the alk looks off I can always pull out the big guns but, for a quick evening test I enjoy them.

Yes, yes I pay attention to the corals and such too.. don't make this a "horrible way to check your tank" thread but just seeing if anyone else likes to have them on hand for just simple glances.

 

[ChiCity]

i personally use these

found them to be resourceful
between full parameter tests…

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Same. I find they are a quick eyeball test for a day to day couple times a week if I don't have time to go through the paces.

I still try to test alk 3 or 4 times a week but they do provide useful.

 

[rtparty]

I use the Aqua Vital or whatever their name is. Love them. I don’t need the precision that’s involved with the bigger kits for 95% of my testing. I just double check my Trident with the strips. Close enough has worked for more than a decade

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You guys ever compare the alk they claim to a real kit?

I’m not sure how it is even possible to measure both seawater and freshwater alkalinity with the same strip, even if it somehow it works for freshwater.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

You guys ever compare the alk they claim to a real kit?

I’m not sure how it is even possible to measure both seawater and freshwater alkalinity with the same strip, even if it somehow it works for freshwater.

I mean, it's not a pinpoint but I just dipped one and the KH mg/L come out above 120 and below 180. That's a huge range but that is where it's always at on the color spectrum. After converting mg/L to DKH you get (140-7.8dkh, 160-8.9dkh) it's a quick enough glance for a guess. My Alk is usually at 8 something. I don't tend to chase the points as much as I do the whole numbers so... I mean, it doesn't seem that bad off.

Again it's just a quick glance and not a real test but heck, I can't even get Red Sea test to give me an exact while constantly looking at it to see if it's green or gone strait to yellow.