API Freshwater Master Test Kit, Kit includes laminated color card, 4 test tubes & holding tray

Product Information

If you have a very old API Test Kit, it may not have an expiry date, but only a date of manufacture disguised in the Lot number. For example, Lot # 28A0107 indicates a date of production in January 2007. Way too old to use!

Like ammonia, nitrite is another nitrogenous compound that needs to be kept at zero for the well-being of your fish. Nitrite poisoning results in fish with brown-colored gills breathing fast and struggling to obtain enough oxygen. Can I use API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT for reef aquariums (as opposed to API REEF MASTER TEST KIT)? Having set the industry standard for many years, API produces a liquid test that you can count on to give incredibly accurate results.Instead of having two separate tests for regular pH and high pH, this kit simply contains a ‘wide pH’ test, which ranges from pH 5.0-9.5. That’s a wider range than most test kits offer, but it comes at the expense of being divided into larger increments. For an established large aquarium that’s well-stabilized, monthly testing will likely suffice. But for smaller tanks where water parameters can change rapidly, weekly or bi-weekly testing is advised. GH stands for general hardness and is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness). GH is the sum total of all the particles dissolved in the water. 1 dGH is equivalent to 17.9 ppm. This compromises a tiny bit of accuracy, but still, 0.5 increments in pH should be sufficient for most aquarium owners. Digital pH meters are becoming increasingly popular to give fast, accurate pH readings in aquariums. But make sure you buy electronic tests from a reputable manufacturer as there’s a great variation in quality.

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! If nitrate tests reveal that levels are too high (over 20 ppm) however, they can become toxic for fish and encourage algae blooms, requiring you to increase water changes and improve aquarium hygiene. Phosphates (PO4)Water testing is also your first port of call when you have any problems with your fish’s health or aquarium filter. Even if you have diagnosed a disease or health condition, water parameters can often be a contributing factor to diseases, and correcting water conditions may be essential to aiding your fish’s recovery. When it comes to accuracy and reliability, there’s little doubt that liquid test kits come out on top.

Copper testing is useful in conjunction with a copper-based medication to treat various fish diseases. Hold the test tube against the white area above the color chart, compare the sample with the printed colors. Whereas The API Master Kit measures pH down to as little as 0.2 increments, this kit only offers 0.5 increments. Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. Copper tests are useful when treating fish with copper-based medications, and iron tests are important for diagnosing iron deficiency in live plants.

We highly recommend testing your aquarium or pond water regularly, to ensure it remains a safe and healthy home for your fish. Testing of levels such as pH, ammonia, and nitrite can help you determine whether you may be overfeeding, and alert you to any potential issues early, when they are more easily treatable. If your water tests show that any of your water parameters are very high or very low, it is important to take steps to correct conditions for fish health and wellbeing. Monitoring the water chemistry of the aquarium or pond will allow you to catch problems before they develop. The value of each test kit differs, but taking the API Master Kit for an example liquid test, the kit contains over 800 tests – which will last the average fish keeper a long time!

Ammonia is a nitrogenous compound that is expelled into the water by fish waste, uneaten fish food, and dead plant matter. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle #1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.Another fairly comprehensive kit, the Nutrafin Master Test Kit for freshwater and saltwater tanks includes Hagen tests for pH, KH, GH, ammonia and ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, iron, and calcium. Fluval is a premier aquarium brand, best known for its outstanding filters. But their liquid test kits seem less well known. Firstly, the copper testing kit is used to ensure copper levels are kept high enough over several weeks to eliminate the infection. You can use API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT to test parameters in an aquarium with reefs; however, for best results, it is recommended that you use API REEF MASTER TEST KIT. One of the most important water parameters to test for is pH. Each fish and aquatic pet has its own requirements for a pH range to remain in optimum health.