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. The bottom line is that API’s freshwater master test kit has been invaluable to me as I got our aquarium setup for the first time, guiding it through a fishless cycle, and continues to be useful for my periodic testing to make sure things are working well. Comes with 6 bottles of liquid test reagent, 4 glass test tubes with snap-tight caps, a holding tray, and instruction booklet Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution #1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. My only previous knowledge of aquarium water testing was with test strips. These still exist and are a good option for those that want a simple test kit. It is as easy as dipping strips of test paper directly into the aquarium for a time, removing the strip to wait for a time, then comparing the colors to a provided color chart. The advantage is the simplicity.

API Freshwater Master Test Kit Review - Spec-Tanks API Freshwater Master Test Kit Review - Spec-Tanks

A pdf of my instructions is located here for those who would like to print one out for their kit. Please note that the my simplified instructions do not include all the important details that are included in API’s instructions; you really do need to read their literature carefully the first few attempts. After a few tries, you will get the rhythm down and become faster at completing the test. Nitrate might read high in a planted tank: If you are adding fertilizers to your planted tank, this can lead to high Nitrate readings. Specifically, KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate), as you will note the ‘NO3’ being Nitrate, will make the Nitrate levels go up. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Nitrate is not as critical to your critter health as ammonia or Nitrite. The plants need it to survive so you certainly don’t want Nitrate down to 0 ppm. 40 ppm I am fine with; above 80 ppm might indicate I am over fertilizing. 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

Tips for Understanding and Using API’s Freshwater Test Kits:

The FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT measures pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your freshwater aquarium. There’s a chart that explains all the steps that you need to follow while testing for different parameters. The color chart is very easy to understand and is waterproof, so you can keep it to test the water later on. 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.

API® | FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT API® | FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT

Taking a few minutes each week to maintain and monitor aquarium conditions is the key to a healthy aquarium. The FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT tests the parameters that affect the health of freshwater fish: pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. The FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT is highly accurate and economical, and includes a computer calibrated, laminated color card, 4 test tubes and holding tray. The FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT comes with a complete, step-by-step instruction booklet, including information on how to correct unsafe water conditions. In new aquariums, the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5 ppm (mg/L) or more. As the biological filter becomes established, nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm (mg/L). In an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0. Any level above 0 can harm fish. The presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration. High Nitrite Solution 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! 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.Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.