Description
API Ammonia Test Strip – Fresh/Salt
Use the API® AMMONIA TEST STRIPS as the quick and accurate way to test for the presence of ammonia. Kit reads 0 to 6 ppm of ammonia, and alerts you to unsafe ammonia levels before they can harm fish or result in fish loss.
Features:
- For fresh & salt water
- Mercury-free, salicylate test
- Tests ammonia levels from 0 to 6 ppm
- 25 Tests
Why test for Ammonia?
Fish continually release ammonia (NH3) directly into the aquarium through their gills, urine and solid waste. In addition, uneaten food and other decaying matter also add ammonia to the water. Ammonia in an aquarium will damage gill membranes and prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. Trace amounts of ammonia will stress fish, suppressing the immune system and increasing the likelihood of disease and death. High levels of ammonia quickly lead to fish death. A natural mechanism exists in established aquariums to control ammonia. It is called the biological filter, which is made up of nitrifying bacteria; these bacteria live in the aquarium filter and gravel bed. Nitrifying bacteria convert toxic ammonia to nitrite (also toxic), which is then converted to nitrate. However, as with any natural process, imbalances can occur, causing an increase in the level of ammonia. Therefore, it is important to test for ammonia so that once ammonia is detected, steps can be taken to remove it.
Testing Tips:
- In new aquariums, ammonia should be tested every other day until the ammonia level is 0 ppm (mg/L).
- This may take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In established aquariums, ammonia should be tested once a week as a routine part of aquarium maintenance to make sure that it is at a safe level.
- This test kit reads total Ammonia (NH3/NH4+) in parts per million (ppm), which are equivalent to milligrams per litre (mg/L).
- This test reads from 0 ppm (mg/L) to 6 ppm (mg/L) in both freshwater and saltwater.
Directions:
- Read directions thoroughly before testing.
- Dip strip directly into aquarium for 5 seconds.
- Remove with pad face up and hold strip level for 60 seconds.
- DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER.
- Compare to colour chart on tube.
