API Ammonia Test Kit For Freshwater And Saltwater Fish Aquarium Helps To Keep Your Fish Safe And Healthy
- This handy kit provides an easy and highly accurate way to test whether your aquarium water is safe for your fishy friends
- The reliable kit measures ammonia to help prevent fish loss, as ammonia is the main stressor and killer of tropical fish
- Ammonia is released into an aquarium as a result of uneaten food, decaying organic matter, and when fish release it through their gills, urine, and solid waste
- Small amounts of ammonia increase stress in fish and large amounts can kill fish
- Use this kit to easily and accurately measure the ammonia level, so that if ammonia is detected, steps can be taken to remove it
- The test kit is a mercury-free, salicylate test for fresh and saltwater fish
- Measures ammonia levels from 0 - 8 ppm (mg/L)
- It is recommended to regularly monitor your aquarium conditions to create a safe underwater world for your fish to maintain optimal health and wellbeing
Pack Contains:
- 130 tests
- 2 test solutions
- Glass test tube
- 2 colour charts
- Instructions
Why Test for Ammonia?
- Fish continually release ammonia (NH3) directly into the aquarium/pond through their gills, urine, and solid waste
- Uneaten food and other decaying organic matter also add ammonia to the water
- A natural mechanism exists that controls ammonia in the aquarium/pond – the biological filter.
- However, as with any natural process, imbalances can occur - so, testing for the presence of toxic ammonia is essential
- Ammonia in the aquarium/pond may damage gill membranes and prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration
- High levels of ammonia quickly lead to fish death - even trace amounts stress fish, suppressing their immune system and increasing the likelihood of disease
- Water should be tested for ammonia every other day when the aquarium is first set up, and once a week after the biological filter has been established (in about 4 - 6 weeks)
Testing Tips
- This salicylate-based ammonia test kit reads the total ammonia level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per litre (mg/L) from 0 - 8.0 ppm (mg/L).
Directions for use
- Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube)
- Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle #1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniform drops
- Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle #2, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniform drops
- Cap the test tube & shake vigorously for 5 seconds
- Wait 5 minutes for the colour to develop
- Read the test results by comparing the colour of the solution to the appropriate Ammonia Colour Card (choose either Freshwater or Saltwater. For ponds, use the freshwater colour card). The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of ammonia in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use. Note: Do not pour test tube contents back into the aquarium/pond.
What the Test Results Mean
- In a new aquarium/pond, the ammonia level may surge to 4 ppm (mg/L) or more, and then fall rapidly as the biological filter becomes established
- The ammonia will be converted to nitrite (also toxic), then to nitrate
- This process may take several weeks. Use API QUICK START® to speed up the development of the biological filter
- In an established aquarium/ pond, the ammonia level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L); any level above 0 can harm fish
- The presence of ammonia indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration
Safety Note
- May cause sensitisation by skin contact
- Keep out of the reach of children
- Avoid contact with skin
- If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately
- Keep away from food, drink and animal food
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
- If a contact lens is present, remove after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing
- After contact with skin, wash with water
Reducing Ammonia Levels
- In a newly setup aquarium or pond, ammonia and nitrite levels will rise and then fall in the first few weeks, indicating the formation of the biological filter
- However, to reduce ammonia levels within the first few weeks use AMMO LOCK as directed
- After AMMO LOCK is added the ammonia will be converted into a non-toxic form
- The Ammonia test kit will still show the ammonia, even though treating with AMMO LOCK has made it non-toxic
- The biological filter will then consume the non-toxic ammonia, converting it to nitrite and then to nitrate
- In addition, a water change (25% or more) will reduce ammonia
- In an emergency, a daily water change may be required over several days
- Be sure to use a water conditioner, like STRESS COAT or AMMO LOCK, when adding tap water back into the aquarium or pond