API Reef Master Test Kit

Reef aquariums have far more strict requirements than the average saltwater or freshwater aquarium. This Reef Master Test Kit measures those vital levels that many other kits do not include. Accurately monitor calcium, carbonate hardness, phosphate and nitrate levels to keep your reef thriving and beautiful.

Available only to the continuous 48 United States via ground shipping methods

Directions for testing Calcium:

1. Rinse a clean test tube with the water being tested.
2. Fill the test tube to the line with 5 ml of aquarium water.
3. Holding the bottle vertically, add 10 drops of Calcium Test Solution #1 to the test tube, cap and shake for 10 seconds.
4. Shake Calcium Test Solution #2 bottle vigorously for 10 seconds.
5. Holding the bottle vertically, add Calcium Test Solution #2, drop by drop to the test tube until the solution changes from pink to the blue end-point. Each drop is equivalent to 20 mg/L (ppm) calcium (Ca2+). Cap and shake the test tube between drops. Be sure to count the drops added.
A. A pink color should form after the first drop.
B. If a blue color forms after the first drop, the calcium concentration is 20 mg/L (ppm) or below.
6. As the end-point is approached, the color will usually change from pink to purple before finally changing to blue. After the purple color forms, only one or two more drops should be required to reach the blue endpoint.

Directions for testing Carbonate Hardness:

1. Rinse a clean test tube with water to be tested.
2. Fill the test tube to the line with 5 ml of aquarium water.
3. Add KH Test Solution, one drop at a time, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. After first drop is added, the solution will turn pale blue. If the water sample contains 1 dKH or less, the solution will turn from clear to pale yellow after the first drop is added.
4. Cap the test tube and invert several times after each drop. Keep count of the drops being added. Do not hold finger over open end of the tube, as this may affect the test results.
5. The test is completed when the water in the test tube, after having been shaken, turns from blue to yellow. If you have difficulty discerning the color after the first drop of test solution is added, remove the cap from the test tube and, while holding it over a white background, look down through the tube.
6. The Carbonate Hardness value is determined by the number of drops of the reagent that must be added to turn the water in the test tube bright yellow. Each drop is equal to 1 ºdKH or 17.9 ppm KH (see chart).

Directions for testing Phosphate:

1. Rinse a clean test tube with water being tested.
2. Fill the test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
3. Holding the bottle vertically, add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #1. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 5 seconds.
4. Now, holding the bottle vertically, add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #2. Note: Bottle #2 contains a very thick solution and may require increased pressure to release drops.
5. Cap and shake the test tube vigorously for 5 seconds.
6. Wait 3 minutes for color to develop.
7. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the Phosphate Color Card. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of total phosphate in the water sample.

Directions for testing Nitrate:

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #1, 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. Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.
5. Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.
6. Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.
7. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.
8. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the appropriate Nitrate Color Card (choose either Fresh water or Salt water). The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrate in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.