Recommendation needed - pH/kH/GH test kits

[Freshman]

Hi,

which brand of pH/kH/GH test kit is more reliable? more accurate? more affordable?

I'm looking for those pH kit that can test higher readings. Using for a lake tanganyika setup.

Any recommendation?

Cheers

[benny]

I used to use those 5 in 1 strips, but have given up on them. Not very accurate.

Then I switched to Sera's range of test kit and found them to be reasonably good and accurate. Lately, I'm using those by API instead. Slighter better than Sera's.

Cheers,

[Freshman]

Thanks bro! just now was still thinking about getting that tetratest 5 in 1

Seems like API is the one! Only used their pH test kit before..
The rest of the test kits I used before ( ammonia.. etc) were from Sera and Tetra.

Another question:
Do test kits have expiry date? I read in a old thread - most GH test kits turn bad pretty quickly.

[leeruisheng]

Yes they've expiry date. After being expired, measurements will not be as accurate.

[Freshman]

Thanks for the reply.
I guess my nitrate test kit is expired. The reading is so damn high for a very low stocked tank with very frequent WC.

Anyway, I bought Sera test kits - pH & kH

Question:
Which brand of GH test kit is good? Saw those GH/KH test kit but they look dusty & old.

[PeterGwee]

Unless you are capable of making standard solutions and can test if you test kit is reading the true values, it isn't worth the investment nor effort since you can't trust the readings. Remember that even equipment that is worth thousands of dollars needs to be calibrate against standard solutions in order to make sure they are reading properly.

Regards,
Peter Gwee