best discus tank water test kit

[piped]

I've been keeping Discus for about six months now, and I'm still not sure which water test kit is the most reliable. My tank's 75 gallons, planted with Amazon swords, and I do 30% water changes twice a week. The fish seem healthy, but I wanna make sure I'm not missing anything. Any recommendations?

[keeper]

The API Freshwater Master Kit is solid. It's got tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH, which are the big ones for Discus. I've been using it in my 120-gallon for years, with a Fluval FX6 filter and sand substrate. The color charts are easy to read, and it's pretty accurate. Just make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.

[slimfox]

Yeah, the API kit's decent, but if you wanna go fancy, the Salifert kits are top-notch. They're pricier, but the precision's worth it, especially for nitrates. My Discus are in a 90-gallon with driftwood and Java ferns, and I test weekly. Also, keep an eye on your KH and GH if your tap water's sketchy.

[abbeytone]

I've had good luck with the Nutrafin Mini Master Test Kit. It's cheap and gets the job done. My tank's only 55 gallons, bare bottom, with a couple sponge filters. The fish are chill, but I test every other day just to be safe. Gonna try the Salifert next though, sounds legit.

[murse]

What's the deal with test strips? Are they any good, or should I stick to liquid kits? My Discus are in a 65-gallon with a canister filter and pool filter sand. I've been using strips, but I'm not sure if they're cutting it.

[keeper]

What's the deal with test strips? Are they any good, or should I stick to liquid kits? My Discus are in a 65-gallon with a canister filter and pool filter sand. I've been using strips, but I'm not sure if they're cutting it.

Strips are kinda hit or miss. They're convenient, but the accuracy isn't great, especially for nitrates. Liquid kits are more reliable, and you'll get better readings for sensitive fish like Discus.

[piped]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll grab the API kit and maybe try the Salifert later. My Discus are still young, about 3 inches, and I feed them beef heart mix twice a day. Gotta keep their water pristine.

[slimfox]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll grab the API kit and maybe try the Salifert later. My Discus are still young, about 3 inches, and I feed them beef heart mix twice a day. Gotta keep their water pristine.

Yep, beef heart's great for growth, but watch the waste. I do 50% water changes three times a week with my juvies in a 75-gallon. Overkill maybe, but they're thriving.

[abbeytone]

Same here. My Discus are around 4 inches now, and I've been doing 40% changes every other day. Tank's got a couple angelfish as tankmates, but they all get along. The Nutrafin kit's been fine, but I might upgrade soon.