API Quick Testing Strips Ammonia

• These ammonia test strips read total ammonia (NH3/NH4+) from 0-6 ppm (mg/L) directly in aquarium water
• Dip-and-read format - no separate reagent vials, mixing, or shaking required
• Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• 25 strips per tube, stored in a desiccant-lined, snap-tight cap tube to protect against moisture
• Colour chart supplied with guidance on correcting unsafe ammonia readings

Each tube contains 25 test strips and a printed colour comparison chart with guidance on correcting unsafe readings. You won't need a separate test vial, reagent bottles, or a timer - just dip the strip in the water and match it to the chart.

If a reading comes back above 0 ppm, you'll need a way to bring it down, typically an ammonia-neutralising conditioner or a partial water change, plus ongoing retesting until the level returns to zero. These are sold separately.

Suitable for: these ammonia test strips suit freshwater and saltwater aquariums, ponds needing a quick check, new tank cycling, and quarantine or hospital tanks where ammonia needs frequent monitoring.

Not suitable for: distinguishing between toxic un-ionised ammonia (NH3) and the far less harmful ionised form (NH4+) - the strip reads total ammonia only. Not a substitute for a laboratory-grade meter where the manufacturer has not published a numeric accuracy specification for this strip format.

Keep the tube's cap snapped tight between uses, as the desiccant lining only protects strips still sealed inside. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and avoid touching the reagent pad with your fingers before dipping.

A product-specific safety data sheet for this exact test strip pack could not be confirmed at time of writing, so no hazard statements are quoted here. As general handling practice: keep the tube out of reach of children and pets, avoid ingesting the strips, avoid contact with eyes, wash hands after handling, and dispose of used strips according to your local council guidelines.

Pair this with pH, nitrite and nitrate test kits for the full water-quality picture during cycling, plus an ammonia-neutralising water conditioner to have on hand for when a reading comes back positive.

This product is covered by the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, including your right to a replacement, repair or refund if it is faulty, not fit for purpose, or significantly different from the description on this page. Contact us if you have any concerns about a pack of test strips and we'll resolve it in line with your rights under the ACL.

How many tests are in one pack?

Each tube contains 25 individual test strips.

What ammonia range do these strips read?

They read total ammonia from 0 to 6 ppm (mg/L), covering the range you're likely to see during cycling or a spike in an established tank.

Can I use these in a saltwater or reef tank?

Yes. The manufacturer states these strips are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, which includes reef and FOWLR setups.

What ammonia level should I be aiming for?

Zero. Ammonia is toxic to fish at any detectable level, and the manufacturer states the only safe total ammonia level for an aquarium is zero, whether it's a community, planted, cichlid or marine tank. Higher pH, as in African cichlid or reef tanks, converts more of the same ammonia reading into its more toxic un-ionised form, so treat any positive reading in those setups as urgent.

What do I do if my test comes back positive?

Carry out a partial water change and/or dose an ammonia-neutralising conditioner, then retest to confirm the level is dropping. Persistent ammonia usually points to an incomplete nitrogen cycle, or overstocking and overfeeding, that needs addressing at the source.

How often should I test?

The manufacturer recommends testing every other day while a new aquarium is cycling, until ammonia reads 0 ppm, then testing weekly once the tank is established.