API Freshwater Master Test Kit Instructions

Regular pH Test 

Use this test to measure the general pH level of your freshwater aquarium. Most community freshwater fish do well in the 6.5–7.5 range.

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1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with tank water.
    

2. Add 3 drops of the pH test solution (the bottle labeled "pH Test Solution").
    

3. Cap the test tube and shake gently for a few seconds to mix.
    

4. Wait 5 minutes.
    

5. Compare the color of the water in the tube to the pH color chart included in the kit.
    

6. Record the result and rinse the tube with clean water.

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High Range pH Test 

 

Use this test if your regular pH test shows the highest reading or if you keep species that need alkaline water.

 

1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with water from your tank.
    

2. Add 5 drops of the High Range pH test solution.
    

3. Cap the test tube and shake gently for a few seconds to mix.
    

4. Wait 5 minutes.
    

5. Compare the tube's color to the High Range pH color chart.​
    

6. Record the result and rinse the tube with clean water.​

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Ammonia Test 

 

Ammonia is toxic to fish and can lead to serious health issues if levels get too high, regular ammonia testing is crucial. 

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1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with water from your tank.
    

2. Add 8 drops of Ammonia Test Solution #1 to the test tube.
    

3. Add 8 drops of Ammonia Test Solution #2 to the test tube.
    

4. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds to mix the solutions.
    

5. Wait 5 minutes.
    

6. Compare the color of the water to the color chart included in the kit.
    

7. Record the result and rinse the tube with clean water.​

 

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Nitrite Test 

 

While less toxic than ammonia, nitrite is still harmful to fish if it builds up in your tank.

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1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with water from your tank.
    

2. Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution #1 to the test tube.
    

3. Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution #2 to the test tube.
    

4. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds to mix.
    

5. Wait 5 minutes. 
    

6. Compare the color of the water in the test tube to the Nitrite color chart provided with the kit.
    

7. Record the result and rinse the tube with clean water.​

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Nitrate Test 

 

Nitrate is the final product of the nitrogen cycle, less toxic than ammonia or nitrite, but high levels can still harm fish over time.

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1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with water from your tank.
    

2. Add 10 drops of Nitrate Test Solution #1 to the test tube.
    

3. Add 10 drops of Nitrate Test Solution #2 to the test tube.
    

4. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds to mix.
    

5. Wait 5 minutes.
    

6. Compare the color of the water in the test tube to the Nitrate color chart included in the kit.
    

7. Record the result and rinse the tube with clean water.​