Use the API Ammonia Test Strips as the quick and accurate way to test for the presence of ammonia. Kit reads 0-6 ppm of ammonia, and alerts you to unsafe ammonia levels before they can harm fish or result in fish loss. Kit includes stay-dry tube with snap-tight cap, and information on how to correct water conditions.

We recommend that you take a few minutes each week to monitor your aquarium conditions and create a better underwater world for your fish. Testing your aquarium water has never been so easy or accurate!

Package Description: 25 Test Strips

Serving Size: ..

Number of Servings: ..

• Ingredients: Contains 25 Test Strips.
• Includes information on how to correct unsafe water conditions
• Highly precise color charts
• Dip directly into aquarium – no separate vial needed
• For fresh and salt water

Dip test strips into aquarium water and check colors for fast and accurate results.

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 in order to make sure that it is at a safe level.
• This test kit reads total Ammonia (NH3/Nh5+) in parts per million (ppm), which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L).
• This test reads from 0 ppm (mg/L) to 6 ppm (mg/L) in both freshwater and saltwater.

Directions for Use
• 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 color chart on tube.

For Best Results:
• Read in a well lit area.
• Keep wet fingers out of the tube.
• Close tube tightly after removing strip.
• Store in a cool, dry place, 59º- 86ºF (15º- 30º C).
• Avoid storage over 100º F (38º C).

What the Test Results Mean
• In new freshwater and saltwater aquariums the ammonia level can gradually climb to 6 ppm (mg/L) or more. As the biological filter becomes established (in 4 to 6 weeks) the ammonia level will drop to 0 ppm (mg/L).
• In established aquariums the ammonia level should always be 0 ppm (mg/L). The presence of ammonia in established aquariums indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish or inadequate biological filtration.

Reducing Ammonia
• To detoxify ammonia, use API Ammo Lock. Ammo Lock converts toxic ammonia to a non-toxic form. Ammonia tests will still read positive for ammonia, even though it is non-toxic. The biological filter will consume the non-toxic ammonia, converting it first to nitrite and then to nitrate.
• Use API Stress Zyme to help speed up the development of the biological filter to reduce the level of ammonia.
• Changing 25% of the water will also reduce the ammonia level. In an emergency, daily water changes may be required over several days. Be sure to use a water conditioner, such as API Stress Coat, when adding tap water to the aquarium. 

Filtration Methods for Removing Ammonia from Freshwater Aquariums
• Add API Nitra-Zorb to your filter to remove ammonia and improve water quality. API Nitra-Zorb will remove ammonia, as well as nitrite and nitrate, from freshwater aquariums. API Nitra-Zorb is a very effective blend of resins in a rechargeable pouch. It is especially helpful when setting up a new freshwater aquarium.
• Add API Ammo-Chips or API Ammo-Carb to your filter to remove ammonia and improve water quality.

Note: This test measures Ammonia from 0 - 6.0 ppm (mg/L) in 5 increments: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 6.0 ppm (mg/L). For more precise readings, use the API Ammonia Test Kit, which uses a liquid reagent, and reads from 0 to 8 ppm (mg/L) in 7 increments: 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 ppm (mg/L

If this product comes in contact with eyes:

• Wash out immediately with water.
• If irritation continues, seek medical attention.
• Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled personnel.

If skin or hair contact occurs:

• Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
• Seek medical attention in event of irritation.

Inhalation:

• If fumes, aerosols or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
• Other measures are usually unnecessary.

Ingestion:

• Immediately give a glass of water.
• First aid is not generally required. If in doubt, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor.

Fire Fighting
Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding area.
DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.

Fire/Explosion Hazard

• Non combustible.
• Not considered a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures

Minor Spills

• Clean up all spills immediately.
• Secure load if safe to do so.
• Bundle/collect recoverable product.
• Collect remaining material in containers with covers for disposal.

Major Spills

• Minor hazard.
• Clear area of personnel.
• Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
• Wear physical protective gloves e.g. Leather.