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

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Obviously, testing during this time is vital to find out if the beneficial bacteria are making progress and to determine when the water is safe to introduce your fish. 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. Not surprisingly, you have to pay for all the extra tests, so this kit is substantially more expensive than the standard 4-in-1 liquid test kits. Things We Like:

Cap the test tube and shake well for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over open end of tube as this may affect the test results. 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. General hardness is the measure of calcium and magnesium ion concentrations dissolved in water. These minerals are present in municipal, well, and bottled spring water. The level of general hardness in tap and bottled water depends on the source of the water and the treatment processes it has undergone. Hard water is high in calcium and magnesium, while soft water is low in these minerals. 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)When it comes to accuracy and reliability, there’s little doubt that liquid test kits come out on top. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle #2, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample. 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. Large pallet items like aquariums are deemed delivered successfully with no damage once the the driver has left the property. If a report of damage is submitted after the driver has left we may be unable to assist with replacements. We recommend refusing a damaged delivery, this is the fastest resolution.

Read the test results by matching the test solution against the ammonia color chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of ammonia in the water sample. 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 UseAnother 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. 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.

Likewise, if you’ve had a problem with your filter, the beneficial bacteria that remove toxins might have been affected, meaning you need to test regularly for ammonia and nitrites to keep your fish safe. Aquarium Liquid Test Kits vs Aquarium Test Strips Fluval is a premier aquarium brand, best known for its outstanding filters. But their liquid test kits seem less well known. 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. Recommendations for how frequently you test your water in a seasoned tank vary from once a week to once a month. 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.

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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