These last two are especially critical since ammonia and nitrites can both kill fish within a matter of days and should always be kept at zero. Testing Water in a New Aquarium One of the reasons for this is that the API Master Kit measures water parameters in such precise increments. On the pH color chart for example, it measures pH in increments of 0.2 between each slight shade of color, allowing you to get a very precise reading compared to most test strips. Ease of Use With a reputation for being more accurate than test strips, this 4in1 test kit, tests freshwater aquarium water for pH (with an additional test for high pH), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. If you have a heavily planted aquascape tank or a marine aquarium, then you could consider the Nutrafin Master Test Kit, which tests water hardness, phosphates, iron, and calcium levels in addition to the four basic tests that API offers.

After the first fish go in, it’s not unusual to test the aquarium water every one or two days to make sure that conditions are settled. How Often To Test Water in an Established Aquarium In terms of ease of use, test strips win hands down. While liquid tests may be more precise, they do take longer to complete. Each test must be performed in a separate tube, with exactly the right amount of water and drops of test solution for the test to be valid.

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These test kits are made in Canada and, overall, customers seem fairly satisfied with the results. Things We Like: 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. Each species has its own preferences for pH and water hardness, as well as the trace amounts of toxins like ammonia and nitrites that they can tolerate. 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! The API® SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT measures the 4 most important saltwater parameters – pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate – to enable easy testing of your tank’s natural cycle, and to aid in maintaining a thriving saltwater aquarium. Testing is fast, easy, and accurate, yielding precise results, and comes with 4 test tubes and a convenient holding tub for easy storage. This kit also includes a complete, step-by-step instructional booklet with a color chart that provides information on how to correct unsafe water conditions. Each SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT will conduct 550+ tests, so you can get the most out of your kit for years of fast, accurate water testing.

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. 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) Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect the test results.

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Can I use API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT for reef aquariums (as opposed to API REEF MASTER TEST KIT)?

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!

Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results. This means you’d rarely have to go out to buy any additional test kits, except perhaps for chlorine, CO2, and dissolved oxygen, which this kit doesn’t include. 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. 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!

Whereas The API Master Kit measures pH down to as little as 0.2 increments, this kit only offers 0.5 increments. Having set the industry standard for many years, API produces a liquid test that you can count on to give incredibly accurate results. Iron is an essential mineral for plant growth. If your live plants are turning yellow or pale, you should test the water for an iron deficiency. Iron supplements for planted tanks are readily available online. Copper (Cu)Hold the test tube against the white area above the color chart, compare the sample with the printed colors. Add 5 drops of Wide Range Indicator Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. Ammonia is a nitrogenous compound that is expelled into the water by fish waste, uneaten fish food, and dead plant matter. Some users have expressed frustrations over test tube caps coming loose and slightly vague color cards, but in general, this is a well-made kit that’s especially useful for marine and reef tank users. Things We Like: 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.