API 500 Pond Master Test Kit for Pond Water

I’ve been using this test kit for a few weeks now and it has completely transformed how I manage my aquarium. The instructions are clear and straightforward, even for someone without much experience. Each test is simple to carry out and gives quick, reliable results.It covers all the essentials—ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH—so I feel confident that I’m keeping the water conditions safe for my fish. The colour chart is easy to read, and the kit comes with enough supplies to last quite a while, which is great value.Since using it, I’ve been able to monitor and adjust my water parameters more effectively, and I’ve noticed my fish looking healthier and more active. A brilliant product that I’d recommend to anyone serious about maintaining a healthy aquarium.

This fish water testing kit is a must-have for any aquarium enthusiast! It’s incredibly easy to use, and the results are both accurate and reliable. The instructions were straightforward, and I was able to test my water in just a few minutes. The kit includes everything you need to check all the essential parameters—pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels—and the color-coded chart made reading the results super simple.I love how this testing product gives me peace of mind, knowing my fish are living in a safe and healthy environment. It has really helped me maintain the perfect balance in my tank, and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the health and activity of my fish since using it regularly.The value for the price is fantastic too—there’s enough material in the kit to last for multiple tests, so I feel like I’m getting a lot of use out of it. I would highly recommend this testing kit to anyone who wants to ensure their aquarium stays clean and healthy. It’s a reliable, affordable solution for keeping my fish happy!

I keep axolotls, and as any axolotl keeper knows, they are very sensitive to water conditions (although many fishkeepers will know the same about some species of their fish). The point of the API Freshwater Master Liquid Test kit is to enable you to test each parameter safely and quickly to troubleshoot any problems in the aquarium. As a keeper it is also a very good idea to test weekly as part of tank upkeep, after a water change, to ensure an ongoing healthy aquarium.What does it do?Each liquid test kit tests for essential parameters such as ammonia, which is a killer, nitrite, which is less deadly but still lethal, and nitrate, which can cause problems if too high. It also enables you to test for elevated PHs. The kit is vital for testing for 'spikes' in these chemicals. It also enables you to assess the bacteria culture in your tank - if ammonia is converting to nitrate (i.e low or no ammonia, low or no nitrite and under 40ppm nitrate) you have a cycled, healthy tank.What do you get for the money?A computer calibrated test sheet, with colours that show the result of each test - place the completed test sample in its test tube over each colour. Whichever colour is hardest to see through the liquid is the closest match. It also contains a card which tells you which API products to use if you ever encounter problems (although personally I would enquire on hobby boards as they offer good advice). It also contains a booklet detailing how to do each test, with tables at the back to record your own results for a few weeks or so. It comes with four test tubes, which don't shatter when they break despite being made of glass - having four enables you to do ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and PH tests all in one lot). It also comes with reagents to test for AMMONIA, NITRITE, NITRATE, PH AND HIGH RANGE PH. You may need to use more of the nitrate and ammonia tests, as these use two different bottles each to complete each test, and quite a few more drops from each bottle than the other tests. You can buy these separately, but at £18 for a full set, and £6 separately, you may as well buy the full kit.Are the tests difficult?Not at all! PH and High Range Kits require only five drops of liquid with 5ml of tank water (clearly marked with a line so easy to fill) and to be left for barely a few seconds. The most complicated test is Nitrate, as it requires two bottles and over a minute and a half of shaking, but clear instructions are included, step-by-step, in English, French and Spanish. They are not difficult at all and over time can be done from memory.How long do they take?For the PH Tests, a few seconds. Each of the others requires five minutes to develop. The Nitrate takes as long as 6 and a half minutes because of the shaking process.Any tips?When testing, always leave bottles on a flat surface to avoid them rolling off. Also, with the Nitrate test, add Bottle No 1 to the test sample, shake to mix, then place on a flat surface. Remove the plastic lid and wipe it out before replacing - I find this prevents a lot of leaking when you do Bottle No 2's test.Do you recommend them?Definetely! I knew very little about tanks but the kit enables me to keep on top of their upkeep easily and is invaluable for ensuring my axolotls aren't sick because of parameters. They are easy to use and last ages - my last kit was bought in April (6 months ago) and I am only ordering a new one because I broke two test tubes and am running out of the Nitrate tests.They are much more reliable than the strip tests - the API kit is also the most recommended kit on Caudata.org, one of the best amphibian sites on the net, and also one of the cheapest.The only downsides are that the nitrate runs out quicker than the others, and that I have managed to break two test tubes by moderate falls, but buying a new kit remedies that, and as I said before, the glass does not shatter - the bottom simply falls off it it meets a hard impact. The colour charts can be difficult to read, particularly Nitrate, which has around three shades of orange or red that can be hard to distinguish - ask for a second opinion and always do them in good light to remedy this (if desperate ask on a forum, posting pictures), but generally Nitrate is the only one you may struggle with.Overall, one of the best purchases possible for your aquarium.

When I first got interested in aquaculture I use a very similar product by another well known manufacturer. I found their small kit to be very good and so eventually graduated to their "Master" test kit. I found the results from some of these tests to be very difficult to interpret as the colours produced by the reagents were often too similar to be able to determine an accurate reading and so, when I needed a buy a replacement kit, thought I would try APIs offering.The bottles actually have the number of drops required printed on them so the dosage doesn't have to be looked up in a booklet every time. The bottles are also designed with a unique (at least I've never seen this before) child proof cap where a small locking collar has to be held firm with a thumb before the cap will unscrew. One of the better child-proof designs in that adults can actually open them very easily!Unlike other brands where only a loose fitting test tube cap is provided, the API test tube caps are a secure fit - essential when shaking a corrosive or irritant test solution for up to a minute. Just as important, the test tubes are easy to rinse without leaving the residue on the glass that I have found with other test kits.The tests either provide instant results or after a 5 minute "developing" period. This means that tests are easier and quicker to undertake compared with other manufacturer's kits where the waiting time for tests varies from instant, to 2, 5 or 20 minutes. The resulting colour changes are very easy to compare against the test chart provided.All in all, an easy to use and well designed kit at a competitive price.

Good product