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. Without a doubt, the hands-down winner for the best liquid aquarium test kit for freshwater aquariums goes to The API Master Kit. Digital pH meters are becoming increasingly popular to give fast, accurate pH readings in aquariums. But make sure you buy electronic tests from a reputable manufacturer as there’s a great variation in quality. 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. Firstly, the copper testing kit is used to ensure copper levels are kept high enough over several weeks to eliminate the infection.

Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. 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. Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results. 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.

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. 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.

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.Whether you’re new to fish keeping or have been keeping fish for decades, you need to test your water regularly. Even in a large, established aquarium, you need to be testing parameters at least once a month. Why Testing Your Water Is Important When you set up a new aquarium, it needs to go through a period known as ‘cycling’ before it’s ready to use. Test strips usually have a shelf life of around 2 years when left unopened, but will expire faster than that after opening. How Can I Adjust My pH and Water Hardness Values? 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! Copper testing is useful in conjunction with a copper-based medication to treat various fish diseases.

And chlorine tests are useful to understand whether your aquarium water conditioner is working properly to remove chlorine and chloramine from your tap water. FAQs Do Aquarium Test Kits Have an Expiry Date? 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.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. 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. These test kits are made in Canada and, overall, customers seem fairly satisfied with the results. Things We Like: 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)