API API Aquarium Test Kit Guía del usuario

Marca: API

Modelo: API Aquarium Test Kit

Tipo: Guía del usuario

Includes: 7 Test Bottles, Easy-to-Read Instructions, Glass Test Tubes & Color Chart

FRESHWATER

MASTER

TEST KIT

Over

800

Tests

TESTS pH, HIGH RANGE pH, AMMONIA,

NITRITE & NITRATE

• Fast • Easy • Accurate

MESURE pH, HIGH RANGE pH,

AMMONIAQUE, NITRITES & NITRATES

• Rapide • Simple • Précis

API QUICK START to help establish the biological filter, lower

ammonia and nitrite, and reduce the risk of fish loss. In an

established aquarium, the ammonia level should always remain

at 0 ppm (mg/L); any level above 0 can harm fish.

To reduce risk of fish loss, if ammonia levels continue to test high

in your aquarium or pond (4 ppm or mg/L), perform a water

change of 25% or more, then add API AMMO LOCK® to quickly

detoxify ammonia. AMMO LOCK will convert ammonia to a

non-toxic form. The Ammonia test kit will still test positive for

ammonia, even though treating with AMMO LOCK has made it

non-toxic. A daily water change may be required over several

days. Be sure to use a water conditioner, such as STRESS COAT®,

when adding tap water back into the aquarium.

WARNING

AMMONIA TEST SOLUTION #1

Harmful if swallowed • Harmful in contact with skin • Harmful if inhaled • Causes serious

eye irritation • Use only in outdoors or in a well-ventilated area • Avoid breathing dust

/fume/ gas/mist/vapors/spray • Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product • Wear

protective gloves/protective clothes/eye protection/face protection • Specific treatment

(see advice on this label) • IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists:

Get medical advice/attention • IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER / Doctor /

Physician / first aider / if you feel unwell • IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water and soap

• IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing • Rinse

mouth • Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse • Dispose of

contents/container to authorized chemical landfill or if organic to high temperature

incineration.

DANGER

AMMONIA TEST SOLUTION

May be corrosive to metals • Causes severe skin burns and eye damage • Causes serious

eye damage • Harmful to aquatic life•Do not breathe dust / fume / gas / mist / vapors /

spray • Wear protective gloves/ protective clothes/ eye protection/face protection •

Keep only in original container • Avoid release to environment • IF SWALLOWED: Rinse

mouth. DO NOT induce vomiting • IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all

contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower • IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with

water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue

rinsing • Immediately call a POISON CENTER/Doctor/Physician/first aider • Specific

treatment (see advice on this label) • Wash contaminated clothing before reuse • Absorb

spillage to prevent material damage • IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep

comfortable for breathing • Store locked up • Dispose of contents/container to

authorized chemical landfill or if organic to high temperature incineration.

NITRITE TEST

Why Test For Nitrite?

Nitrite (NO

–

) is produced in the aquarium/pond by the

biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert

ammonia into nitrite. The biological filter then converts nitrite into

nitrate (NO

–

). Nitrite in the aquarium/pond is toxic; it will prevent

fish from carrying on normal respiration, and high levels will

quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts of nitrite stress

fish, suppressing their immune system and increasing the

likelihood of disease. Too many fish, as well as uneaten fish food

and decomposing plants and other organic matter can cause

excessive nitrite levels. Water should be tested for nitrite every

other day when the aquarium/pond is first set up, and once a

week after the biological filter has been established (in about 4

- 6 weeks). Using API QUICK START will help accelerate the

development of the biological filter.

Testing Tips

This test kit reads total nitrite (NO

–

) level in parts per million (ppm)

which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 - 5.0

ppm (mg/L).

Directions

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.

3. Cap the test tube and shake for 5 seconds.

4. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.

5. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution

to the Nitrite Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in a

well-lit area against the white area of the chart. The closest

match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrite in the water

sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.

What the Test Results Mean

In new aquariums/ponds the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5

ppm (mg/L) or more. As the biological filter becomes

established, nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm (mg/L). In an

established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0;

any level above 0 can harm fish. The presence of nitrite

indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate

biological filtration.

Reducing Aquarium Nitrite Levels

Add API NITRA-ZORB®/AQUA DETOX to the aquarium filter to

remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums. Making partial water

changes can also help reduce nitrite, especially if the initial level

is very high. Use API QUICK START to help speed the

development of the biological filter. Adding API AQUARIUM SALT

will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is

removing the nitrite.

NITRATE TEST

Why Test for Nitrate?

Nitrate (NO

–

) 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. Maintaining a low

nitrate level improves the health of fish & invertebrates. Excessive

nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal

blooms. Aquarium water should be tested for nitrate once a week

to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.

Testing Tip: This test kit reads total nitrate (NO

–

) level in parts per

million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L)

from 0 - 160 ppm.

Directions

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 #1, holding dropper

bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to

assure uniformity of drops.

3. Cap the test tube & invert tube several times to mix solution.

4. Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution #2 for at least 30

seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy

of test results.

5. Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution #2, holding

dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position

to assure uniformity of drops.

6. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute. This

step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.

7. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.

8. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution

to the Nitrate Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in a

well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest

match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrate in the water

sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.

What the Test Results Mean

In new 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. In

marine aquariums, it is best to keep nitrate as low as possible,

especially when keeping invertebrates.

Reducing Nitrate Levels

Add API NITRA-ZORB® / AQUA-DETOX to the filter to remove

nitrate from freshwater aquariums. Making partial water

changes can also help reduce nitrate, especially if the level is

very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain

nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method.

DANGER

NITRATE TEST SOLUTION #1

May be corrosive to metals • Harmful if inhaled • Causes severe skin and eye damage.

Causes serious eye irritation • May cause respiratory irritation • Do not breathe dust / fume

/ gas / mist / vapors / spray • Use only in outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear

protective gloves / protective clothes / eye protection / face protection • Keep only in

original container • IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. DO NOT induce vomiting • IF ON SKIN (or

hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower • IF IN

EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present

and easy to do. Continue rinsing • Immediately call a POISON CENTER / Doctor / physician

/ first aider • Specific treatment (see advice on this label) • If eye irritation persists: Get

medical advice/attention • Wash contaminated clothing before use • Absorb spillage to

prevent material damage • IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable

for breathing • Store locked up • Store in a well-ventilated place • Keep container tightly

closed • Dispose of contents/container to authorized chemical landfill or if organic to high

temperature incineration.

WARNING

NITRATE TEST SOLUTION #2

Suspected of causing genetic defects • Wear protective gloves/protective clothes/eye

protection / face protection • If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice / attention

• Store locked up • Dispose of contents/container to authorized chemical landfill or if

organic to high temperature incineration.

from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of ammonia

quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts stress fish,

suppressing their immune system and increasing the likelihood of

disease. Using API QUICK START® will help accelerate the

development of the biological filter.

Testing Tip: This salicylate-based ammonia test kit reads the total

ammonia level in parts per million (ppm) [equivalent to

milligrams per liter (mg/L)] from 0 - 8.0 ppm (mg/L).

Directions

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 #1, holding the

dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position

to assure uniformity of drops.

3. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution #2, holding the

dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position

to assure uniformity of drops.

4. Cap the test tube & shake vigorously for 5 seconds.

5. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.

6. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution

to the Ammonia Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in

a well-lit area against the white area of the chart. The

closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of ammonia in the

water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.

Note: Do not pour test tube contents back into the aquarium.

Reducing Ammonia Levels

In a new aquarium or pond the ammonia level may rise 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. It is recommended to use

4. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to

the pH Color Chart. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit

area against the white area of the chart. The closest match

indicates the pH of the water sample.

Recommended pH Levels

A pH of 7.0 is ideal when keeping a community aquarium

containing a variety of tropical fish. Goldfish and livebearers

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 pH

7.2 to 7.5. To raise or lower the pH of a freshwater aquarium, use

API pH UP® or pH DOWN®. To automatically adjust pH to a

preset level, use API PROPER pH® 6.5, 7.0, or 7.5.

HIGH RANGE pH TEST

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 the aquarium at the proper pH ensures

optimal water quality. The pH should be tested weekly, since

natural materials in the aquarium (such as fish waste and

uneaten food) can cause pH changes.

Testing Tips

The minimum pH reading for this kit is 7.4 and the maximum is 8.8.

Under extreme water conditions, readings 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.

ENGLISH

To remove childproof safety caps: With one hand,

push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing

cap with free hand.

pH TEST

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 the aquarium at the proper pH ensures

optimal water quality. The pH should be tested weekly, since

natural materials in the aquarium (such as fish waste and

uneaten food) can cause pH changes.

Testing Tips

The minimum pH reading for this kit is 6.0 and the maximum is 7.6.

Under extreme water conditions, readings below the minimum

will read 6.0 and above the maximum will read 7.6. 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. When keeping livebearers, goldfish, African Cichlids or

marine fish & invertebrates use the API HIGH RANGE pH TEST KIT.

Directions

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the

line on the tube).

2. Add 3 drops of pH Test 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.

Directions

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 High Range pH Test Solution, holding dropper

bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to

assure uniformity of drops.

3. Cap the test tube & invert tube several times to mix solution.

4. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution

to the High Range pH Color Chart. The tube should be

viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the chart.

The closest match indicates the pH of the water sample.

Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.

Recommended pH Levels

A pH of 7.5 is ideal for most live-bearing fish, such as mollies &

swordtails. Goldfish will also thrive at a pH of 7.5. African cichlids

prefer a pH of 8.2. Marine fish & invertebrates require a pH

between 8.2 – 8.4. To raise or lower the pH of a freshwater

aquarium, use API pH UP or pH DOWN. Also, API PROPER pH 7.5

may be used to automatically adjust & hold pH at 7.5. PROPER

pH 8.2 may be used in African cichlid and saltwater aquariums.

AMMONIA TEST

Why Test for Ammonia?

Fish continually release ammonia (NH

) directly into the

aquarium/pond 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/pond – the biological filter. However,

as with any natural process, imbalances can occur. So, testing

for the presence of toxic ammonia is essential. Ammonia in the

aquarium/pond may damage gill membranes, and prevent fish