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

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. If you’re looking to get more accurate readings from the most reliable source, though, then API liquid test kits are the way to go. If you’re carrying out lots of tests, they’ll likely save you some money too.

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 Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.

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! 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. 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. Cap the test tube and invert tube to mix solution. Do not hold finger over open end of tube as this may affect the pH of the test solution. 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.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.

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! Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.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.

Yes, they do! API Master Test Kits typically come with an expiry date that gives you 5 years to use them.

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These compounds are responsible for neutralizing acid that is created in your aquarium, and act as a protective barrier or buffer against your tank becoming acidic. The higher your KH, the more stable your neutral-alkaline water conditions will be. Ammonia and Ammonium (NH3 and NH4) Copper tests are useful when treating fish with copper-based medications, and iron tests are important for diagnosing iron deficiency in live plants. CO2 tests are essential if you’re using a carbon dioxide injection system to boost plant growth in an aquascaped aquarium. Add 3 drops of Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.