Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry What's a decent test kit to get started?

Since you all will probably help me analyze water test results I wonder if you might recommend a test kit. I've read the threads about aquarium kits and Hach kits but when it gets down to choosing I'm still unsure. Here are links to some different kits and if anyone cares to point and nod I would appreciate it.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/deluxetestkit.html

http://www.aquariumguys.com/laborettetest.html

http://www.aquariumguys.com/mastertestkit3.html

http://www.aquariumguys.com/mastertestkit2.html

Edit: I just wanted to add that I will hopefully set up an aquarium with pond fish as I get into the stocking phase with our ponds. If certain tests aren't needed for the pond I will probably need them for the tank.

GW,

One of our members, PaPond (who is a retired chemist), touched on the topic of aquarium test kits in this thread.

http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000039

When asked for some guidance in selecting a test kit, he responded in this thread (see his post on page 2);

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=000230;p=2

Granted, he is a chemist so his choice of weapons may not fit your holsters.