Fish continually release ammonia directly into the water through their gills, urine, and solid waste. Uneaten food and other waste also add ammonia to the water. A natural way that your aquarium handles this ammonia is through the biological filter, or natural aquarium cycle. However, as with any natural processes, imbalances can occur. This is why it’s important to regularly test for the presence of ammonia, which can spike unexpectedly in your aquarium. As soon as it is detected, ammonia should be removed, otherwise it will damage your fish’s gill membranes and harm their respiration, which can eventually result in fish death. Even small amounts of ammonia stress fish, suppressing their immune systems and increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks. You can remove ammonia from your tank by performing a partial water change, and by dosing with a solution specifically designed to treat ammonia. Test frequently for high ammonia using API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT. One question I have is this: does it matter where you take the water sample from in your aquarium? Does anyone know if values vary significantly enough to matter in different parts of the tank? The bottom line of testing your aquarium water with API’s liquid test comes down to reading and following exactly the instructions they provide ( API’s pdf instructions are here). It is a bit daunting in that all 5 test are unique and require slightly different instructions. They all start in the same way, and that is to fill a clean test tube (provided) with 5 ml of aquarium water (up to a white line on the side). Note that the API Freshwater Master Test Kit reads the total nitrite (NO2) level in parts per million ( ppm). Nitrite Test Directions Learn to raise pH levels effectively in various simple methods in a different article. High-Range pH Test

API Freshwater Master Test Kit - Swell UK

If you don’t measure your water parameters on a weekly basis, or even longer, you, your tank, and your fish will run into some problems. Ammonia spikes, bacterial blooms, and dead fish are just a few examples of what can happen when your water health is not on your priority list.Invert that bottle: The testing seems reliant on putting in an exact amount of both water and test solution(s). API has calibrated the solution to add in drops, but the drops need to be the correct size; namely, from an inverted bottle that is straight up and down. Also take care to not touch the dropper to the edge of the test tube as this will not result in a full drop. The water tested should initially be filled to the test tube white line, preferably following the protocol of bottom of fluid meniscus at the white line. You need to keep an eye on the water quality and monitor all the visible and invisible changes that directly impact the inhabitants of your aquarium. This is a 5-in- 1 testing kit that allows you to do that. In new aquariums, the nitrate level will gradually climb as the biological filter becomes established. A nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums. High Nitrate Solution Comes with 6 bottles of liquid test reagent, 4 glass test tubes with snap-tight caps, a holding tray, and instruction booklet Results that you care about: I don’t worry much about PH readings. The PH in our aquarium is influenced by the tap water. I don’t worry with trying to move it up or down with chemicals or additives. I leave it where it is (probably mid 7’s) and just maintain consistency in PH with regular water changes. What is critical is to have an aquarium with healthy bacteria that will break down fish waste fully, resulting in a 0.0 ppm reading for both ammonia and nitrite. This is the result that shows your tank has the proper beneficial bacteria. If your tank ever reads something other than 0.0 ppm for ammonia and nitrite, it’s time to look carefully at what’s going on. As I have said above, Nitrate level readings above 0 ppm are normal and not necessarily bad. I expect 20 ppm to 40 ppm for nitrate; If it climbs into the 80 ppm or 160 ppm range, I would try to understand why it is so high and perform a large (70%) water change.

API® | POND MASTER TEST KIT API® | POND MASTER TEST KIT

I am very happy with the accuracy observed. I get consistent results that I can trust. As long as you follow instructions, you will be rewarded with accurate results. Note that the minimum pH reading for the API Freshwater Master Test Kit is 7.4 and the maximum is 8.8. Under extreme water conditions, readings below the minimum will read 7.4, and above the maximum will read 8.8. High-Range pH Test Directions

Note that the minimum pH reading for the API Freshwater Master Test Kit is 6.0 and the maximum is 7.6. Under extreme water conditions, readings below the minimum will read 6.0, and above the maximum will read 7.6. pH Test Directions You don’t have to test all the parameters each time. I usually only test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. The PH tests I sometimes perform by themselves, but I have not found the results from the PH tests to be helpful to me, so I usually skip them. Note that unless you come up with another test tube, the four provided with the kit will not allow you to perform all the testing at the same time; you will need to choose either the low or high range ph test. This shouldn’t be a problem; after you test once side by side, you should have an idea of which range applies to your tank. Moreover, you can use this container while waiting for the results to appear, as you compare them to the provided chart. At API brand, we understand the rewards and relaxation of fishkeeping because we have a passion for fish, too. For almost 60 years, API brand has developed premium solutions with proven and effective results for your family and ours.

API Freshwater Master Test Kit Review 2023: Test pH, Nitrates API Freshwater Master Test Kit Review 2023: Test pH, Nitrates

Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the Nitrate Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrate in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.

API Freshwater Master Test Kit - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fishkeeper

The real positive of the liquid master test kit is the pricing. It is a bit tough to breakdown the number of available tests in the bottles. API advertises ‘over 800 tests’ but this is for all the separate tests combined. Each bottle has 37ml of fluid, but they each utilize different numbers of drops per test. I think the Nitrate test would run out first and I estimate that it would be good for around 80 tests. Other tests would last much longer. This testing kit is accurate, fast, and reliable, so you can depend on the results you’re getting. You can use the testing kit, even if you have no previous experience with chemicals or using testing kits.We recommend that you take a few minutes each week to monitor your aquarium conditions and create a better underwater world for your fish. Testing your aquarium water has never been so easy or accurate!