IllustrationWater testing · Liquid test kit
API Freshwater Master Test Kit, taken apart
Five liquid tests in one box for the numbers clear water hides: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.
5tests
pH to nitrate
800+
Tests in the box
5ml
Water per test
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Taken apart
Every part
The verdict
Works / doesn't
What works
- Five tests cover the nitrogen cycle and pH, the numbers clear water hides.
- Over 800 tests in one box.
- The manual says ammonia and nitrite should read 0 ppm in an established tank, and 40 ppm nitrate or less is recommended.
What doesn't
- Owners report the glass tubes break easily.
- Low-range pH stops at 7.6 and high range at 8.8: outside those ranges the kit can't show the exact value.
- Nitrate bottle #2 must be shaken for at least 30 seconds, as the manual says.
Care
- New tank: test nitrite every other day; once the filter is established (about 4–6 weeks), once a week.
- Wait 5 minutes for the colour before you read it.
- Compare the tube with the colour card in good light.
Specs
The numbers
| Tests | pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0–7.6 (high range 7.4–8.8) |
| Ammonia | 0–8 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0–5 ppm |
| Nitrate | 0–160 ppm |
| In the box | 7 test bottles, 4 glass tubes with caps, laminated colour card, booklet |
| Per test | 5 ml of tank water |
Sources
Where this comes from
- API Freshwater Master Test Kit, instruction booklet (in the box)
- API product page
- Amazon UK listing and verified buyer reviews
From our TikTok post “Clear water lies”. How we review.