API5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Strips 100-Count Box

Vital part of responsible aquarium keeping. Easy to use and happy with the increased ability to check tank levels. Kit lasts a long time, value for money!

This API Nitrite test kit is for testing fresh water or salt water for levels of nitrite. Used mainly for aquariums as nitrite, if present in water, can be harmful to fish.The test kit is very easy to use. You just fill up the test tube that is provided, to 5ml. There is a marking on the test tube so you know when it has reached 5ml. You then add 5 drops of the solution provided, put the lid on the tube, then shake it for 5 seconds. Wait for 5 minutes, then compare the colour of the water to the colours on the test card. It is that simple.Depending on the colour, the instructions can give you some advice on what to do, which is very helpful. They go into decent detail to explain some things, the headings are....1 - Why test for nitrite?2 - Testing tips3 - Directions (step by step guide on how to test water using the kit)4 - What the test results mean5 - Reducing aquarium nitrite levels6 - Reducing pond nitrite levelsThese are written in English, then translated into French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Swedish.The test kit includes1 - Nitrite test solution (with childproof safety cap)2 - Test tube with lid3 - Instructions4 - Nitrite colour cardThe test can be done up to 180 times with the solution provided. The colour card has six different colours. The ranges are 0 ppm, 0,25 ppm, 0.50 ppm, 1.0 ppm, 2.0 ppm and 5.0 ppm. You can see the colour card in the picture that I added above. It also has a step by step picture guide on how to test your water.I mainly purchased this for when I was cycling my fish tank. Once the ammonia started to go down, the nitrite level was rising. I had to keep an eye on this level so I knew when to do water changes so my fish didn't become too sick. My fish tank successfully cycled, but it is also useful to check water levels after cycling. I normally test for nitrite 2 days after the weekly water change when all levels are settled. I believe that test results can be distorted if you test too soon after a water change because of the reaction in the water when you add dechlorinator. My nitrite has stayed at 0ppm but it puts my mind at rest to know for sure.All in all, this test kit has been very helpful to me, especially during the stages when I was just beginning my fish hobby.

I have found this test kit easy to use and have confidence in its accuracy to detect nitrate in the aquarium water. Knowing what the nitrate level is to begin with in the domestic tap water supply I have been able to gauge the increase by comparison following the aquarium water test. I have found that the colour achieved from the two tests is very similar so from this I deduce that the aquarium water is being well filtered, ammonia/ammonium levels are low and that safe nitrate levels are being achieved. The tap water where I live has reasonably low levels of nitrate so any large increase would indicate a problem in my aquarium. You must make this comparison as you cannot be sure without it if the nitrate is being 'manufactured' by the fish or is already in the water. The test card with the colour comparison check list is quite difficult to read at low levels where the orange colours are so close together. However, the very low and very high readings (colours) would be easy to differentiate as they are so different in colour. Inspect under natural lighting conditions and hold the test tube to the side of the test card as holding it against the opaque test card makes the reading look darker than it actually is. The kit will enable many tests to be carried out so it really is value for money.

Excellent product, a must have for all fish keepers.

Good value keeps water clarity good. Easy to use.

This is really great product as ph is very important when keeping fish . And with 250 test you can’t beat it

Bought this because got ammonia in my fish tank .this test kit is easy to use and is v accurate. Highly recommend.

Never failed. I always have this testing kit on hand.