This kit tests water for five different parameters that affect the health of freshwater fish. The kit can complete up to 800 tests.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
$35.98
Available on backorder
Available on backorder
Description
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
How the Test Kit Works:
The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is highly recommended for all aquaponic systems! Includes all tests required to test the nitrogen cycle. This kit tests water for five different parameters that affect the health of freshwater fish: pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. Highly accurate and economical.
Whether you’ve just started up your system and ready for cycling, or your system is already established and you want to stay informed on the water quality, this test kit it is an absolute must have.
Product Details:
Kit includes computer-calibrated laminated color cards, 4 glass test tubes and holding tray. Also contains complete, step-by-step instruction booklet, including information on how to correct unsafe water conditions.
Cycling Parameters
The cycling process starts when ammonia is present in your aquaponic system. Ammonia (chemical formula NH3) is a compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen. Fish produce ammonia most from their feces, urine, and respiration through their gills. Just as our own waste is toxic to us, ammonia is toxic to fish and can kill them. The cycling process converts ammonia to a less toxic form of nitrogen (nitrate) that plants can readily digest.
Cycling with Fish
- Start fish cycling by adding a few hardy fish to the tank like Goldfish, Tilapia or inexpensive Koi for example. The fish will provide the ammonia source. Do not feed the fish for the first 24 hours. Only lightly feed for the first several days and only what they are willing to consume. Excess feed should always be removed from the tank.
- Add a nitrifying bacteria starter such as Nite-Out or let the bacteria populate naturally.
- Perform and record water tests every day to check ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Ammonia should remain below 3.0 ppm. Nitrites should remain below 1.0 ppm. Nitrates will increase over time.
- Exchange 1/3 of the tank water if ammonia gets above 3.0 ppm, or nitrites above 1.0ppm. Fish can suffer and may die if levels get higher than these.
Fishless Cycling
- Cycling with fish can be stressful (on both you and the fish). An alternative is fishless cycling.
- Add a bacteria starter or let the bacteria arrive naturally.
- Add a supply of pure ammonia (powder or liquid) until levels are between 2 to 4.0 ppm.
- Perform water tests daily to detect ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.
- Continue to add ammonia to keep the ammonia levels between 2 to 4.o ppm.
- Cycling is complete when ammonia and nitrite levels drop below 0.5 ppm with 24 hours. The presence of nitrates indicates cycling is taking place.
- Stop dosing the system with ammonia and add your fish into the system. Do not feed for the first 24 hours.
Resources are being developed from this product. Please contact us for more information.