API 5 in 1 Freshwater & Saltwater Aquarium Test Strips
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About This Item
- Tests five key water parameters—pH, nitrite, nitrate, carbonate and general hardness.
- Highly accurate color charts provide precise test results, identifying problems in your aquarium.
- Chart colors are distinctive, making test results easy to read.
- Recommendations help troubleshoot aquarium issues.
- Superior moisture protection packaging ensures testing accuracy.
Help lower your aquarium's pH level with API's pH Down or raise it with API's pH Up water treatment.
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About API Testing
Testing the Waters
For fish to thrive, their aquarium water must be similar to the water in their natural environment. Poor water quality can cause stress, illness and even the loss of your fish. Important water quality parameters include ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. These can vary over time, and they are invisible to the eye, which is why it is necessary to test weekly. Choose from a wide range of API testing options like the Freshwater Master Test Kit or 5-in-1 Test Strips to accurately evaluate your water.
Pressed for Time? Just Dip and Read
Simply dip an API test strip into your aquarium, swirl it twice, and then use the color-coded chart to determine if your water is within safe parameters or if adjustments are needed. That’s it! API test strips are available in a 5-in-1 version, which includes testing for pH, nitrite, nitrate, carbonate, and general hardness. Ammonia and pH test strips are also available so you can mix and match according to your needs.
The Scientific Approach
Get professional results from the comfort of your home with API test kits. Measure up to six parameters with API Master Test Kits, or pick and choose from a wide variety of individual test kits. Both types of kits come with test tubes and a laminated, calibrated color card. API test kits allow for numerous tests, making them an inexpensive way to help keep your aquarium water quality in check.
How to Correct Aquarium Water Parameters
Too Much Ammonia?
Ammonia is released into the water through gills, urine, uneaten food and more. API Ammo-Lock detoxifies it instantly.
Inappropriate pH Levels?
Fish require a specific pH level to thrive. Use API pH Down to lower freshwater aquarium water pH to the right level.
Too Much Nitrite?
Use API Quick Start to quickly consume nitrite and help maintain an active biological filter.
Nitrates Too High?
API Nitra-Zorb helps remove nitrate and other toxins that can be harmful to fish and lead to algae growth.
About API
The team at API has a passion for fish and understands the rewards and relaxation fishkeeping can bring. For almost 60 years, they have developed premium products with a focus on proven and effective results. API offers a range of testing kits, water conditioners and nutritionally superior fish foods. They are dedicated to making a better underwater world for the benefit of fish and those who keep them.
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3 Customer Questions
ReviewsWrite a Review
38 Customer Reviews
Convenient
The price is right and the test strips measure what I need to know, minus NH4. But no kits do that. Strips are criticized because they are less accurate, but I look for consistency in values and trends. Once the aquarium is cycles, that's what you need, IMO. The chart is readable.
Chewy purchase
Test kit arrived on time with my other purchases. This is a tough one because I have no way to check the voracity of test results, but it works just as advertised.
Not sure there wirth it
Easy to use but they don't check ammonia levels and there nitrite and nitrate readings are way off from the regular Api liquid test. Use with caution they do not give reliable readings. The Gh readings were a nice find but they maybe off as well
Aquarium Test Kit Review
The kit worked fine but is not like the kits I usually use. This kit, you need to look up the normal range results to see where your test results lie. The ranges are shown in the pamphlet included with the kit. On the kits I usually use, they show the normal range right on the gauge. It is so much easier.
Bit confusing
The instructions say immediately check the first 3 indicators but to wait 30 seconds to read the 4th & 5th/nitrite and nitrate levels. I bought these to test my nitrates specifically but the reading continues to change (get darker) after the 30 seconds. So what's the correct level; the reading at exactly 30 seconds (could be 40 to 80) or the color it ends up at (as high as 160)?
Works 90% of the time
These strips are decent for in between using a full drop test kit like the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. I do find about 10% of the strips I used had issues with the pH portion not developing properly, thus not being able to read the results.
master test kit is better
The product said I had high nitrite in my 65 gallon aquarium and then I was worried so I ended up buying a API master test kit and I had no nitrite, I couldn’t believe how bad of a product and waste of money this was.
Good Product, to an Extent
While these dip sticks come in handy, it’s important to use a fresh water master test kit to get PRECISE values and read your water for ammonia (since these DON’T test for ammonia). These are handy for in-between precise water tests, but not as the only source of water testing, because they aren’t incredibly accurate. I attached a pic of their master test kit that i use, just in case. API is an excellent brand!
Unfortunately inaccurate
I got these to easily test my kh and gh as well as a quick check on my nitrates so I don’t have to pull out my liquid test kit every week... well in a side by side comparison of the pH and nitrate, the strips were way lower on both tests than my liquid tests. Showing the nitrate as an example. Now I’m not sure I can even trust the kh and gh measurements.
Great item
I have a 28 gallon aquarium and use the strips atleast twice per month to check the water. The strips work very well and are super easy to read.