If you want to measure the water parameters in your tank, then you may have found the API 5 in 1 Test Strips during your search. So, is this product any good? You can find out in this review at Aquarium Blueprints.
What does an API 5 in 1 Test Strip measure?
This product is designed to measure the following parameters:
- Nitrate
- Nitrite
- pH
- KH (Carbonate Hardness)
- GH (General Hardness)
Unfortunately, these strips do not measure Ammonia, which is a very important parameter as this compound is very toxic to the fish and other aquatic pets in your aquarium. So, if you are looking for an all-in-one testing solution, then we suggest looking elsewhere.
Directions
What makes the API 5 in 1 Test Strips great is the simplicity.
To measure your tank water, you simply dip the strip in, swirl it around two twice and then remove the strip with the testing pads facing upwards.
You can then compare the KH and GH levels to the color chart immediately. For the Nitrate, Nitrite and pH parameters, you need to wait a minimum of 30 seconds after you remove the strip from the tank water to get an accurate reading.
In our case, the color chart is printed on the back of our packaging.
Once you are done with reading an API 5 in 1 Test Strip, you can throw it away. For more specific steps to using this product, you can check out these directions.
When compared to water test kit, testing strips are a lot simpler and less time consuming to use.
Accuracy
Based on our experience, the API 5 in 1 Test Strips isn’t as precise as water-based testing kits. With that said, these should be good enough in most cases as a vast majority of fish and other pets in the aquarium hobby can live in wide ranges of pH, KH and GH.
When it comes to Nitrates, you should keep your tank water below 40 ppm. If you have fragile fish, then you can target under 20 ppm instead.
As for Nitrites, you need to keep this parameter to 0 ppm at all times. Just like Ammonia, Nitrites and be very toxic.
Value
While the API 5 in 1 Test Strips product offers a cheaper upfront cost, you will most likely end up saving money in the long run with a water-based testing kit.
For example, the API 5 in 1 Test Strips will let you measure your aquarium 100 times. Although you pay a little bit more for the API Freshwater Master Test Kit, you will be able to test your water 800 times.
Recap
The API 5 in 1 Test Strips product is great if you want a quick and easy way to test for Nitrates, Nitrites, pH, GH and/or KH. With that said, these strips do not test for Ammonia.
If you want to test your tank water constantly, then you should also get better value with a water-based testing kit when compared to using strips. By using water tests, you should get more accurate results as well.
If you are interested, you can purchase the API 5 in 1 Test Strips on Amazon with this link (#CommissionsEarned).
If you are looking for a water-based alternatively, then we suggest checking out the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
