API Freshwater Master Test Kit

I recently started up a freshwater tank and am learning the ropes as I go. I was doing some research on what to expect and what supplies I needed. I came across this product in a search and after reading other product reviews I decided to splurge and get this test kit. I think out of all the ones I reveiwed this is the only one that had all the 4 major tests in one case with ease of use that even a child can do (with supervision).

I do have an added tip for all you PetSmart/PetCo shopppers. Print out this page and take it in and they will price match. The PetSmart (instore) price is $29.99 and after showing them the ad I saved over $13, and I didn't even have to pay for shipping! :) GREAT DEAL!!!

This is a good all-purpose test kit for someone beginning freshwater fish-keeping. It's also the most economical way I've found to purchase a wide variety of tests (it contains test solutions for pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates) in large volume. The directions are clear and concise and the color coded cards make readings easy.

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Four of five tests are fairly straightforward. The ammonia test, however, requires mixing the 5ml of tank water with 10 drops of one solution, shaking a second solution bottle for 30 seconds, adding 10 drops from it, then shaking the test tube for one minute, and then waiting 5 minutes to test color against a chart. Seems a bit much, no? That being said, this process isn't any more difficult than any other system I've seen, and it seems to be accurate. The color chart is waterproof, though the instruction manual isn't, and due to the moist nature of its application, make sure to memorize instructions quickly. API is by far the most highly recommended test kit on every freshwater tank forum I've read, and I found it here a good bit cheaper than at my local (chain) pet store. Be aware that the test tubes are glass and will occasionally shatter when trying to juggle all 4 at once, but I've only once needed to test for everything the first day the kit came in. Nitrates are probably the only regular (weekly) test you'll have to do outside of changes to the tank, such as adding fish or changing substrate or filter media.

FYI each bottle has a printed "Lot Number" on the back, the last four digits of which are the month and year of manufacture. Anything over three years or so is getting old, and you'll probably want an exchange unless you test with great frequency. These chems definitely have a finite shelf life.

Oh, and anyone who has live plants in a tank will want phosphates and KH test kits as well.

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There are a few excellent points about this test kit:

1) buying here saves you about 50% from the retail pet store

2) you get 800+ tests for ~ $17 vs. 25 tests w/ strips

3) results are far more accurate with liquid test kits like this one when compared to dipsticks

Note that of the 5 tests you can do with this, three of them require 5 minute waits before you read the colors, so it's not as fast as a dipstick. But honestly, this is such an economic choice, and it's accuracy far exceeds quick strips that it's ridiculous to buy them. Get this kit!

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I ordered the test kit on jan 21st and it took tell feb 1st to get which seemed long but maybe i am just spoiled with prime. I did not take any stars off for the shipping time.

My main issue is the description is false. It clearly says:

"Freshwater Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing tap water & aquarium water.Tests water 6 different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions.Tests include: freshwater pH, ammonia, nitrite, high range pH, GH & KH, 4 test tubes, tray."

Well where is the GH & KH kit? It seems that the description is wrong. It says the kits are included but they are not. The ONLY reason i bought this was because it had the GH and KH kit included and i found it silly to spend the money on just a GH and KH kit when i could just get the other items for a only a little bit more.

Needless to say i am frustrated. I waited 12 days to get the wrong thing.I guess i should have read the text on the picture and not the actual product description.

/rant

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