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Saltwater Bundle & Save! This affordable Master Kit includes everything you need to monitor four important parameters in your saltwater aquar..
Bundle & Save! This affordable Master Kit includes everything you need to monitor four important parameters in your saltwater aquarium. Kit Includes:
Freshwater/Saltwater High Range pH Test Instructions:
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. Live-bearers and goldfish require a pH of 7.5. African cichlids, marine fish and invertebrates require a pH between 8.2 and 8.4. Maintaining the aquarium at the proper pH ensures optimal water quality.
Testing Tips:
This test kit measures pH from 7.2 to 8.8 in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. This kit contains two High Range pH Test Color Charts — one for freshwater aquariums, and one for saltwater aquariums — so be sure to use the correct chart for your type of aquarium when interpreting test results. The Freshwater pH Test Color Chart is the appropriate chart to use for testing freshwater aquariums to which aquarium salt and African cichlid salt have been added. 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.
Directions for Testing pH:
Recommended pH Levels:
Saltwater
A pH level of 8.2 is ideal for saltwater fish, invertebrates and African cichlids. To automatically set the pH at 8.2. use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals PROPER pH 8.2 for saltwater aquariums. Proper pH 8.2 is a carbonate buffer which automatically adjusts and holds the pH at 8.2.
Freshwater
A pH of 7.5 is ideal for most live-bearing fish, such as mollies and swordtails. Goldfish will also thrive at a pH of 7.5. To raise or lower the pH of a freshwater aquarium, use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals pH UP™ or pH Down™, following the directions on the container. Proper pH 7.5 may be used to automatically adjust and hold pH at 7.5. Proper pH 8.2 may be used in African cichlid aquariums.
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 7.2 and the maximum is 8.8. Under extreme water conditions, readings below the minimum will read 7.2 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.
CAUTION:
Freshwater/Saltwater Ammonia Test Instructions:
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 on 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. Thus, there are two Ammonia Test Color Charts — one for freshwater aquariums, and one for saltwater aquariums — so be sure to use the correct chart for your type of aquarium when interpreting test results. The Freshwater Ammonia Test Color Chart is the appropriate chart to use for testing freshwater aquariums to which salt has been added.
Directions for Testing Ammonia Levels:
What the Test Results Mean:
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).
Water Changes:
Changing 25% of the aquarium water will reduce the ammonia level in emergency situations. In situations where animals are present, daily testing and water changes may be required over several days until ammonia levels fall naturally. The use of a bacterial cycling agent such as Stress Zyme to innoculate the aquarium, in conjunction with an ammonia-neutralizing water conditioner may also be beneficial.
DANGER:
Freshwater/Saltwater Nitrite Test Instructions:
Why Test For Nitrite?
Nitrite (NO2-) is produced in the aquarium by the 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.
Directions for Testing Nitrite:
What The Test Results Mean:
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:
Freshwater
Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitra-Zorb™ to remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums. Nitra-Zorb is a rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrite from freshwater. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrite level, especially if the initial nitrite level is very high. Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals STRESS ZYME® to help speed the development of the biological filter. Adding Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium Salt will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is removing the nitrite.
Saltwater
Partial water changes will lower nitrite in a saltwater aquarium. Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals STRESS ZYME to help speed up the development of the biological filter.
CAUTION:
FIRST AID:
Give large amounts of water or milk of magnesia. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep out of the reach of children.
Freshwater/Saltwater Nitrate Test Instructions:
Why Test For Nitrate?
Nitrate (NO3-) is produced in the aquarium by the 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 kit includes two Nitrate Test Color Charts — one for freshwater aquariums, and one for saltwater aquariums — so be sure to use the correct chart for your type of aquarium when interpreting test results. The Freshwater Nitrate Test Color Chart is the appropriate chart to use for testing freshwater aquariums to which salt has been added. 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.
Directions for Testing Nitrate:
What The Test Results Mean:
In new freshwater and saltwater aquariums the nitrate level will gradually climb as the biological filter becomes established. A nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums. Many marine aquarists prefer to keep nitrate levels as low as possible, especially when keeping invertebrates.
Monitoring Nitrate Levels:
Regular testing for nitrate is an essential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium water should be tested for nitrate once a week to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.
Reducing Nitrate in the Aquarium:
In Freshwater
Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitra-Zorb™ to remove nitrate from freshwater aquariums. Nitra-Zorb is a rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrate from freshwater. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrate level, especially if the initial nitrate level is very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Purifier will remove all pollutants, including nitrate, from tap water, making water changes effective. The Tap Water Purifier makes any tap water perfect aquarium water.
In Saltwater
Partial water changes are the easiest way to lower the nitrate in a saltwater aquarium. Keep in mind, however, that the biological filter constantly produces nitrate. Also, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. To ensure your source water is free from nitrate and other contaminants, we recommend the use of RO/DI filtered water rather than plain tap water.
DANGER:
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