API pH Test Kit
Taking a few minutes each week to maintain and monitor aquarium conditions is the key to a healthy aquarium. pH control is imperative to prevent the harmful effects of overly alkaline or acidic aquarium water on fish and plant life. Fish require a specific pH level to thrive. However, pH in an aquarium can fluctuate due to fish waste, addition of tap water and the build-up of natural acids. Use this kit to easily and accurately measure the pH level and maintain a healthy freshwater community aquarium. For use in freshwater aquariums.
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 and 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.
4. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the pH Color Card. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. 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 7.0 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.
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