Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit

• Instructional Booklet Complete
• Water Resistant Test Solution Bottles for 4 saltwater tests
• Four glass test tubes with snap-tight caps in holders.

Why test pH? pH is the measure of acidity of water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. A pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. Certain freshwater fish thrive at a pH above 7.0. Livebearers, goldfish and African cichlids prefer a pH of 7.5. Marine fish and invertebrates require a pH between 8.2 to 8.4. Maintaining the aquarium at the proper pH ensures optimal water quality.
Testing Tips: This kit measures pH from 7.4 to 8.8 in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. Artificial salt water should have a pH of 8.2. If not, adjustment with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Proper pH 8.2 is recommended. pH adjustment may be required in newly made salt water.

Why test for Ammonia? Tropical fish continually release ammonia (NH3), directly into the aquarium 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 - the biological filter. It is made up of nitrifying bacteria, which live in the gravel bed. However, as with any natural process, imbalances can occur. Testing for the presence of toxic ammonia is essential, so that once detected, steps can be taken to remove it. Otherwise, ammonia in the aquarium will damage gill membranes, and prevent fish from carrying normal respiration. High levels of ammonia quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts stress fish, suppressing their immune system and thereby increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks and subsequent fish loss.
Testing Tips: This salicylate based ammonia test kit reads the total ammonia level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per Liter (mg/L) from 0 ppm to 8.0 ppm (mg/L), in either fresh or saltwater aquariums.

Why test for Nitrite? Nitrite (NO2-) is produced in the aquarium by biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into nitrite (also toxic). The biological filter then converts nitrite into nitrate (NO3-). Testing for the presence of toxic nitrite is essential, so that once detected, steps can be taken to remove it. Otherwise, nitrite in the aquarium will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of nitrite quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune system and, thereby, increase the likelihood of disease and subsequent fish loss.
Testing Tips: This test kit reads total nitrite (NO2-) level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per Liter (mg/L) from 0 ppm to 5.0 ppm, in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. Other nitrite test kits that measure "nitrite-nitrogen" (NO2-N) will give readings 3.3 times less than this test kit .

Why test for Nitrate? Nitrate (NO3-) is produced in the aquarium by biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. A high nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. In the opinion of many aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates.
Testing Tips: This test kit reads total nitrate (NO3-) level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 ppm to 160 ppm, in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. This test kit measures nitrate as nitrate ion or "total nitrate." Other nitrate test kits that measure "nitrate-nitrogen" (NO3-N) will give readings 4.4 times less than this test kit.

High Range pH Test

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add five drops of indicator solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.
3. Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix solution. Do not hold finger over open end of tube, as this may affect the test results.
4. Determine the pH reading by matching the color of the solution against those on the High Range pH 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 pH of the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

Frequency of Testing: The pH should be tested weekly, since natural materials in the aquarium (such as fish waste and decaying food) can cause pH changes. The minimum pH reading for this kit is 7.4 and the maximum is 8.8. Under the extreme water conditions, reading below the minimum will read 7.4 and above the maximum will read 8.8. pH adjustments outside the range of this kit will not show any changes until the pH of the aquarium water is within the range of this kit.

Ammonia Test

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle # 1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
3. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution Bottle # 2, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
4. 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.
5. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.
6. Read the test results by matching the test solution against the Ammonia Test 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. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

Monitoring Ammonia Levels: Regular testing is necessary to make sure the ammonia level is safe. Aquarium 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 to 6 weeks). Detoxifying Ammonia Using Ammo-Lock in Freshwater & Saltwater Aquariums: To detoxify ammonia, use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Ammo-Lock to instantly lock up ammonia. Ammo-Lock does not remove ammonia, it simply converts toxic ammonia to a non-toxic form. Ammonia test kits will still test positive for ammonia, even though it is non-toxic. The biological filter will then consume the non-toxic ammonia, converting it to nitrite and then to nitrate. Water Changes: Changing 25% of the aquarium water will reduce the ammonia level. 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. Danger: harmful xn, corrosive c: Bottle # 2 contains sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. Causes severe burns. Contact with acids liberates toxic gas. Toxic inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Danger of cumulative effects. Keep locked up and out of reach of children. Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water (at least 15 minutes) and seek medical advice immediately. After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible). Do not mix with acidic materials.

Nitrite Test

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the the water sample.
3. Cap the test tube and shake the tube for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect test results.
4. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.
5. Read the test results by matching color of the solution against those on the Nitrite Test 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 nitrite in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

Monitoring Nitrite Levels: Regular testing for nitrite is an essential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium water should be tested for nitrite once a week to make sure the nitrite does not reach undesirable level. Reducing Nitrite in the Aquarium: Partial water changes will lower nitrite in a saltwater aquarium. Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals StressZyme to help speed up the development of the biological filter.

Nitrate Test

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
3. Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix solution. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect test results.
4. Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.
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