{"product_id":"api-freshwater-master-multi-test-kit-5-in-1","title":"API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe one kit that answers \"is my tank actually cycled?\" — not just \"what's my pH?\"\u003c\/strong\u003e The API Freshwater Master Test Kit tests five parameters in one box: pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. It's a liquid titration and colour-match kit good for approximately 800 tests combined across all five, and it's the kit API themselves point new fishkeepers to for cycling a tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFive parameters, one kit\u003c\/strong\u003e — pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, the full set you need to confirm a tank has cycled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbout 800 tests combined\u003c\/strong\u003e — across all five parameters, from seven reagent bottles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiquid reagents, not strips\u003c\/strong\u003e — API rates liquid tests as more accurate than dip strips for this kind of monitoring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLaminated, computer-calibrated colour card\u003c\/strong\u003e — built to last through hundreds of comparisons without fading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour test tubes and a holding tray\u003c\/strong\u003e — so you can run more than one parameter at a time without losing track.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill each test tube with an aquarium water sample, add the drops specified for that parameter's reagent, cap, and mix as instructed — API's own directions note that reagent bottles should be shaken vigorously, but test tubes should only be inverted gently, back and forth every 1–2 seconds, rather than shaken hard. Compare the result against the laminated colour card. Rinse each test tube with water immediately after reading, before reagent residue has a chance to stain the glass. API recommends testing weekly for an established tank, and daily for ammonia and nitrite while a new tank is cycling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAPI (Mars Fishcare)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMeasures\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMethod\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiquid reagent, drop-count titration and colour comparison\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal tests\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 800, combined across all five parameters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePer-parameter test count\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot published by API — see note below\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTesting frequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeekly for an established tank; daily for ammonia and nitrite while cycling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFreight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI's own materials state the total test count as approximately 800 but do not break that figure down per parameter, since each reagent uses a different number of drops per test. We haven't invented a per-parameter split.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included \/ what you'll still need\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeven reagent test solution bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour glass test tubes with snap-tight caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA holding tray\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaminated, computer-calibrated colour card\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep-by-step instruction booklet, including guidance on correcting an unsafe reading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot included:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnything to correct a bad reading — pair with the right product once you know what's wrong (see below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGH or KH testing — this kit doesn't cover hardness; add API's GH and KH Test Kit for that\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat each reading means, and target ranges\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePer API's own published water parameter chart, checked 7 August 2026:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIdeal\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCaution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDanger\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmmonia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAny detectable reading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSustained detectable reading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5–1.0 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0+ ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0–40 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40–80 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e160+ ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH (community tropical)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 6.8–7.2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–6.8 or 7.2–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutside the tested range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmmonia and nitrite should read zero in a fully cycled, stocked tank — any reading above zero on either is a sign the biological filter isn't keeping up, and calls for a water change and reduced feeding while you investigate. Nitrate is expected to rise gradually between water changes and is corrected by the water change itself, not by a treatment product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen a reading is out of range\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia or nitrite above zero:\u003c\/strong\u003e do a partial water change, reduce feeding, and retest daily until it returns to zero. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-quick-start\"\u003eAPI Quick Start\u003c\/a\u003e adds live nitrifying bacteria if the tank is newly set up or the filter has been disturbed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate climbing steadily:\u003c\/strong\u003e increase water change frequency or volume. This kit will tell you it's happening; it won't fix it on its own.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH outside your target band:\u003c\/strong\u003e retest with a dedicated pH kit and correct gradually — see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-deluxe-ph-test-kit-with-liquid-adjusters\"\u003eAPI Deluxe pH Test Kit with Liquid Adjusters\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCycling a new freshwater tank — daily ammonia and nitrite checks are exactly what this kit is built for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOngoing weekly monitoring of an established freshwater community tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaltwater or reef tanks — API sells a separate Saltwater Master Test Kit calibrated for marine ranges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGH\/KH hardness testing — not covered by this kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSafety and handling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep out of reach of children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid eye and skin contact with reagents; rinse well with water if contact occurs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShake reagent bottles vigorously before use; invert test tubes gently rather than shaking them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse test tubes immediately after each test.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-gh-and-kh-test-kit\"\u003eAPI GH and KH Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e — the two hardness parameters this kit doesn't cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-quick-start\"\u003eAPI Quick Start\u003c\/a\u003e — live nitrifying bacteria for when ammonia or nitrite won't clear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-stress-coat\"\u003eAPI Stress Coat\u003c\/a\u003e — for the water changes this kit will tell you to do.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-freshwater-mini-ph-test-kit\"\u003eAPI Freshwater Mini pH Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e — a compact spare for quick pH-only checks between full test rounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a consumable test kit, so no manufacturer warranty period applies. That does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law: if the product is faulty, unsafe or not as described, you are entitled to a remedy. Ships as standard freight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need this if I already have a single pH test kit?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor cycling a new tank, yes. Ammonia and nitrite are what actually confirm a tank is safe to stock, and a pH-only kit won't show you either. This kit adds both, plus nitrate and a second, higher-range pH test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow often should I test while cycling a new tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaily for ammonia and nitrite until both read zero for several consecutive days with fish or a full bioload present. Weekly is enough once the tank is established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMy ammonia reads above zero but my fish seem fine. Do I need to act?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — ammonia is toxic at low concentrations even before visible symptoms appear, and its danger increases with pH. Do a partial water change and retest rather than waiting for signs of stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes this kit work for a saltwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — this is the freshwater-calibrated kit. API sells a separate Saltwater Master Test Kit with ranges suited to marine and reef parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy does the kit include two different pH tests?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard freshwater pH and \"high range\" pH use different reagents calibrated to different parts of the scale, so between them the kit reads accurately from soft, acidic water through to the alkaline end some cichlid and livebearer tanks run at.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"API","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774195421475,"sku":null,"price":163.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/APH41_5.jpg?v=1772082123","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/api-freshwater-master-multi-test-kit-5-in-1","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}