Freshwater 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. Maintaining your aquarium at the proper pH ensures optimal water quality.

Directions for Testing Low Range pH
NOTE: Read instructions thoroughly before testing. DO NOT allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium or pond.

To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add three drops of Indicator Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure 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 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.

Directions for Testing High Range pH
Read thoroughly before testing. DO NOT allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.
To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.

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 ensure 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.

Recommended pH Levels
A pH of 7.0 is ideal when keeping a community aquarium containing a variety of tropical fish. Goldfish should be kept in their own aquarium and prefer a pH of 7.5. Many Amazonian fish, like angelfish and neon tetras, prefer a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Mollies and swordtails thrive at a pH 7.2 to 7.5.

Frequency of Testing
The pH should be tested weekly, since natural materials in the water (such as fish waste and decaying food) can cause pH changes.
[Back to top]

Ammonia Test Instructions

Why test for Ammonia?
Fish continually release ammonia (NH3) directly into the water 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 – the biological filter. It is made up of nitrifying bacteria, which live in the substrate and biological filter media. 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 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.

Directions for Testing Ammonia Levels

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 ensure 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 ensure 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.

What the Test Results Mean
In new freshwater aquariums, the ammonia level may surge to 6 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 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Stress Zyme to speed up the development of the biological filter. In an established aquarium or pond, the ammonia level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L). The presence of ammonia indicates possible overfeeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration.

The ammonia level is not an indication of the nitrite level; Nitrite is another toxic waste material, which must be tested separately.

Monitoring Ammonia Levels
Regular testing is necessary to make sure the ammonia level is safe. Aquarium and pond water should be tested for ammonia every other day when it 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
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 nontoxic form. Ammonia test kits will still test positive for ammonia, even though it is nontoxic. The biological filter will then consume the nontoxic ammonia, converting it to nitrite and then to nitrate.
[Back to top]

Nitrite Test Instructions

Why Test For Nitrite?
Testing for the presence of toxic nitrite is essential, so that once detected, steps can be taken to remove it. Otherwise, nitrite in the water 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.

Directions for Testing Nitrite

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 ensure uniformity of drops added to 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 five minutes for the color to develop.
5. Read the test results by matching the 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.

What The Test Results Mean
In new freshwater aquariums, the nitrite level will gradually climb to 10 ppm (mg/L) or more. As the biological filter becomes established (in 4 to 6 weeks), nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm (mg/L). In an established pond or aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L). The presence of nitrite indicates possible overfeeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration.

Monitoring Nitrite Levels
Regular testing for nitrite is an essential part of routine maintenance. Water should be tested for nitrite once a week to make sure the nitrite does not reach undesirable level.
[Back to top]

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 buildup 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.

Directions for Testing Nitrate
Read thoroughly before testing. DO NOT allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.
To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.

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 ensure 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 ensure accuracy of test results.
5. Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops to the water sample.
6. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for one minute. This step is extremely important to ensure accuracy of test results.
7. Wait five minutes for the color to develop.
8. Read the test results by matching the color of the solution against those on the Nitrate 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 nitrate in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

What The Test Results Mean
In new freshwater 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.

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
Making partial water changes 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.
[Back to top]