Who Gives A Fish Forums

Good call. API's a solid starting point. My 50-gallon's been stable with it, just remember to shake the nitrate bottles like your life depends on it. Also, keep your test tubes clean—residue messes with the colors.

I've had issues with API's pH test being hard to read. Switched to Red Sea's kit, and it's clearer. My Discus are in a 75-gallon with CO2, so pH stability's key. Red Sea's been reliable for me.

Never skimp on testing. Lost a tank once because I trusted a bad kit. Now I cross-check with two brands. My Discus are in a 125-gallon, and I use API for nitrates, Salifert for the rest.