The reason you need a test kit is to make sure that all the parameters in your aquarium are normal. Without a test kit, you cannot estimate the real condition of the growing nitrogen cycle (ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which are extremely poisonous to dwarf shrimp). In other words, you are pretty much flying blind and hoping for the best.
Of course, there is another option. You can have your tank tested at almost any local fish store. Just take a cup of water, ask them to test it and give you the numbers for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, KH, GH, and TDS.
However, what will you do in case of an emergency? Let’s say if something goes wrong at 3:00 a.m.?
The test kit will give you control over water parameters and your time. You will not depend on anybody anymore. It is also going to help you to diagnose problems if you have them in the future. It will give you an idea of how your tank is doing.
Thus, everybody should have a test kit. It should be one of the first things you buy. It is critical in the hobby to make sure everything is okay in your tank and that it is a healthy environment for your shrimp.
I strongly believe that test kits are essential. Especially, if you are just starting out in this hobby. It is actually pretty irresponsible shrimp keeping in my eyes when you do not know your water parameters.
It is not possible to find a professional (or advanced) shrimp keeper who does not use test kits. Because the difference between good water and optimal water is huge! The problem is that you cannot tell the difference with your eyes.
Therefore, if you want your shrimp to thrive you need to use test kits.
API Master Test Kit (check the price on Amazon).
API Master test kit. Not only is it affordable and easy-to-use but accurate enough to give any shrimp keeper a good understanding of what is happening in their aquarium.
It measures the 4 most important levels in freshwater aquariums quickly and accurately, including pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Contains 800 tests and includes 7 test solutions, easy-to-read instructions, glass test tubes, and color chart.
Another great advantage is that they can be found absolutely anywhere. Basically, almost all fish and pet store has it on the shelf or you can buy it online. Each master kit contains enough tests to lasts for years. However, if you run out of a specific test kit or simply lost (broke, spilled, etc.) it, you can buy refills separately.
