Well I think it’s...

[DarrenCar]

Or maybe it’s this one.... This is me using the primitive color chart on my API testing kit. I know I’m a beginner in the hobby and maybe I’m supposed to go though this phase of using the drop and shake and compare method to test my parameters but is there a better way to get a more accurate reading? All the while NOT taking out a second mortgage to fund the purchase.

 

[dwest]

Or maybe it’s this one.... This is me using the primitive color chart on my API testing kit. I know I’m a beginner in the hobby and maybe I’m supposed to go though this phase of using the drop and shake and compare method to test my parameters but is there a better way to get a more accurate reading? All the while NOT taking out a second mortgage to fund the purchase.

What are you measuring?

 

[DarrenCar]

At this point just ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and PH. I am sure as I progress I will be needing to test other things as well..

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Well that’s easy... stop measuring ammonia, nitrite, and pH and you’ve solved 3/4 of your problem. Then buy a Salifert kit for nitrate.

 

[Lukas75]

Once your nitrogen cycle is over you can stop looking at ammonia. Nitrite is not toxic in SW or so I've been told. That having been said I like to see it drop off before I consider the nitrogen cycle complete. This is more to make sure the nitrogen cycle is at a point where it is stable rather than anything else. Then I don't test for that. pH I check if I think something is wrong otherwise I don't. +1 on the Salifert nitrate test, but still it's a bit of a guess on what shade it is. I use my wife for this, her eye is far better for color than mine. :)