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. Note that the API Freshwater Master Test Kit reads the total nitrite (NO2) level in parts per million ( ppm). Nitrite Test Directions

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API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT tests for high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, all of which need to be regularly monitored for proper water conditions for your fish. This time around, I have learned more about what is going on with the water and how the biological filter works, where bacteria in the tank breaks the fish’s ammonia waste into Nitrite; then nitrite into nitrate. This healthy bacteria is the goal of completing a fishless cycle; will talk more about this in a separate upcoming post. 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. 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. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the pH Color Chart. The closest match indicates the pH of the water sample.

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Testing for the presence of toxic nitrite is essential, so that if it is detected, steps can be taken to remove it. If left untreated, nitrite in the water will hinder normal fish respiration, eventually leading to fish death. Even small amounts or low levels of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune systems and increasing the likelihood of disease, which is why it’s important to test for nitrite using API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT. You can remove nitrite from your tank by performing a partial water change. Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution #2, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. The FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT measures pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your freshwater aquarium. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute. This step is extremely important to ensure the accuracy of test results.

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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. 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. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the Nitrite Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the chart. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrite in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use. A pH of 7.0 is ideal when keeping a community aquarium containing a variety of tropical fish. That said, research is king in this department as each fish has their own recommended pH levels. pH is the measure of acidity in your water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline, and a pH lower than this level is acidic. It is important to keep your aquarium at the appropriate pH level to ensure optimal water quality for your specific fish species, as different types of fish require different pH levels for their habitats. API® FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT will enable you to test the pH levels in your water as often as needed!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 PH of tap water can change after a period of time: If you test the PH of tap water immediately after it flows from your faucet, it might read higher than you expect. The water in your pipes has a higher concentration of dissolved CO2 and this makes the PH reading high. Let a sample of tap water rest over 24 hours in an open container to off-gass this CO2, then test it. The result will be a more representative PH reading of your tap water. The first time you decided to keep fish, you probably didn’t know anything about the water quality in your fish tank. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution #1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. 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.

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Simply run the water, open the test tube gently (do not twist the cap), and allow the water to dilute and rinse the contents out of the test tube. Avoid getting the contents of the test tube on your skin. API PH Test Kit (Low Range) : This is the test for PH levels from 6.0 to 7.6. It has enough solution for around 250 tests.

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Note that the API Freshwater Master Test Kit reads the total ammonia level in parts per million ( ppm). Ammonia Test Directions Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution #2, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.