Description
Tetra EasyStrips 6-in-1 are dip and read test strips for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. One strip checks six water quality readings at once and gives you colour coded results in about 60 seconds, which makes a weekly water check something you will actually do rather than keep putting off.
Testing is how you see the nitrogen cycle working. Fish waste and uneaten food break down into ammonia, which is toxic. Bacteria in the filter convert it to nitrite, toxic as well, and then to nitrate, far less harmful and removed by water changes. Nitrite above zero means the cycle is not keeping up; climbing nitrate means you are overdue for a water change. pH tells you whether the water sits in a comfortable band, hardness and alkalinity describe the mineral content and how well the water resists pH swings, and the chlorine test confirms your conditioner did its job.
A new aquarium needs testing every day or two for the first few weeks, since it has not grown the bacteria colony that handles waste. Once readings settle, weekly is enough, plus a check after adding fish or a big water change.
- Tests six parameters on one strip: pH, nitrite, nitrate, general hardness, alkalinity and chlorine
- Colour coded results in around 60 seconds
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Fast enough to make weekly testing a routine
- Available in 25 strip and 100 strip packs
Note that these strips do not test ammonia, so on a new or troubled tank pair them with a separate ammonia test. Find one in the full aquarium department.