testing kits and such! gah!

[LMac54]

Hey all! New poster and new Betta-mom!

a few questions...

Right now I have a divided 2gal-ish tank for two VTs. For water conditioning I use this tiny blue bottle that's called "DeCLOR" I got from my LFS. (picture here: http://www.wecoaquariumproducts.com/...r%204%20oz.jpg) which says that it "instantly eliminates chlorine and reduces toxicity of common heavy metals".
Is this enough to use? Should I be getting some other conditioner?
I use a drop per gal. I also try to let my tap water sit for several hours before I put my boys back in after a 100% water change.


ALSO, I was just recently at PetSmart and was trying to get a simple water testing kit and was so overwhelmed at the different kinds! I know that I need to test pH levels, but then I saw that there were ALL kinds of testy-type things for all sorts of things like ammonia, nitrate, carbon, etc, AHH! I was just tempted to just get the most expensive kit with the most things on it because I wasn't sure what I was looking for, and I wasn't very keen on asking anyone (like anyone was around anyways ).


What am I looking for!? What's the best "test kit" to buy/find?

[Narnian]

The API Master test kits are supposed to be the best of the best. It comes with everything you need and they are accurate. (This is the stuff with bottles/drops, NOT test strips).

Just a hint though......Walmart.com sells it for $17.47 (I think) where as petstores sell it for $30-$40. Amazon.com also sells it for around $19.

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I agree with Narnian about the API master test kit. The strips are inaccurate.

[zoragen]

As for the water conditioner I use Prime.

[1fish2fish]

You divided a 2 gallon tank and put two fish in it? Big no no!

Bettas need 2 gallons per fish. To divide a tank you need at least a 5 gallon tank. You also need a heater that is capable of heating your tank to 78-80*F.

[LMac54]

Originally Posted by 1fish2fish

You divided a 2 gallon tank and put two fish in it? Big no no!

Bettas need 2 gallons per fish. To divide a tank you need at least a 5 gallon tank. You also need a heater that is capable of heating your tank to 78-80*F.

Thanks for your help. I am getting a bigger tank for them soon. And I do have a heater.