I have used these tester strips for years, as the drop sets are way too faffy for me, I tried the drops once and then binned the set???? I can't guarantee how accurate they are. On the linked website they do free 'worldwide' delivery from the UK!

http://www.viresco-uk.com/onlineshop/asppages/defaultsearch.asp?product=kits

Edited October 21, 20187 yr by sdlTBfanUK

Liquid test strips that aren't expired with clean test tubes are always likely to be more accurate than test strips that could accidentally accumulate moister even when kept in in the little containers they come in.

You are probably right that the drop tests are better otherwise people wouldn't use the drop tests as they are such a faff.

These test strips come individually sealed in some kind of flat metal sleeve that you have to tear open to get the test strip out, so no worries about any moisture getting to the test strip before use!

I find the nitrite test pretty easy! Nitrate is only a little more complicated.

On average, people who have used both have found that the liquid test kits are more reliable, however even the liquid tests can be wrong. Some people are colorblind so the API test kits can be difficult to read. Some people prefer Seachem, Sera or Nutrafin tests.

I haven't used the test strips, but looking at the "All In One" test strips and how to read them, especially when it comes to GH and KH, I'd rather have the accuracy of the liquid test kits. ?

Edited September 20, 20187 yr by Zoidburg

Liquid tests are generally much more accurate and are harder to mess up when testing. I know the test strips seem easier but there can be a whole bunch of factors that Change the final result. If you rest your test strip on a bench it can pick up water molecules on the bench and end up testing that. Liquid tests also last much longer. I personally use API and have never had any problems other than getting the tab off the box to open it.

Every time I have ever gone into a store to buy the test strips, the salesmen talk me out of it.  It is almost like no one believes in the product - so what's the point of them even existing?  Liquid test is certainly more accurate way to go.

Edited May 11, 20233 yr by Flaviotown2

15 hours ago, Flaviotown2 said:

test strips,

they have their use cases. But usually only when liquid test kits are not easily accessible.

How do you guys feel in general about bringing your water in somewhere to be tested - should I always trust the results I am getting back?  Sometimes I think they are trying to sell some product....

6 hours ago, Flaviotown2 said:

should I always trust the results I am getting back?

Always ask to see the result/test tube and colour match it to the chart.

You have no obligation to buy anything just for a water test. You might, based on the result, but don't be pressured.

Especially if they charge to do a water test. In that case you are already paying for a service.

 

I always recommend a minimum test kit for any aquarist which includes:

GH & KH test kit

pH test kit,

Ammonia test kit and 

a TDS meter.

You should have these at your own disposal. Especially the TDS meter. I use this the most, and find it the most useful out of all my kit for a quick 'rough" indication of the tank's parameters. I wrote an extensive article on TDS you might find interesting here ... 

 

You would have to judge tha reliability yourself based upon the business/person who does the tests.

Al these test kits/equipment are readily available and not expensive to buy so it makes more sense to buy the testers so you always have them on hand (as per JayC comment) and the kits/equipment can be used multiple times (they are not single test usage). Also, as JayC, the one I use most (and is the easiest to use) is the TDS meter.