Is the API Master Test Kit better than test strips?

They test different things. The Master Test Kit covers ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and high-range pH; API 5-in-1 strips cover pH, nitrite, nitrate, KH and GH but not ammonia, per API's pages and the listings.

The Master Test Kit and API's standalone ammonia kit. The API 5-in-1 and Tetra 6-in-1 strips don't list ammonia.

How often should I test?

API recommends weekly testing with the Master Test Kit; UF says ammonia should be tested once a week.

API Master Test Kit vs Test Strips: Which Should You Use?

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Quick answerThey're complements more than rivals. The API Master Test Kit (liquid) covers ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH, which are what matter most while cycling. The API 5-in-1 and Tetra 6-in-1 strips are faster and add hardness, but don't test ammonia, per the listings. If you buy one thing, get the liquid kit; add strips for quick checks and GH/KH.

Here's exactly what each covers, from API's pages and the listings. We haven't tested them.

What each tests

	API Master Test Kit	API 5-in-1 strips	Tetra 6-in-1 strips
Ammonia	Yes	No	No
Nitrite	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nitrate	Yes	Yes	Yes
pH	Yes, plus high-range pH	Yes	Yes
Hardness (GH/KH)	No (API sells a separate kit)	GH and KH	Hardness and alkalinity
Chlorine	No	No	Yes
Format	Liquid reagents, 4 tubes, color card	Dip strip	Dip strip, read at 60 seconds
Quantity	Over 800 tests (API)	100 strips	100 strips

Why ammonia coverage matters

The University of Florida says ammonia is colorless and odorless even at toxic levels, so testing is the only way to know, and it should be tested weekly. During cycling it's the number you watch most.