API Water Testing Bundle

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.

My home-made pond is only a couple of months old but I’ve quickly learnt the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for the fish.After a lot of research I purchased this kit because of the reviews and it appeared good value for money (it does about 500 tests, so should last ages).Initially I put off using the kit because I was concerned it would be too complicated and because I feared the results would prove my pond environment was not good.I was pleased to find the kit was really simple and quick to use. The instructions were brief and clear. All the bottles are clearly marked, so errors are unlikely. I purchased a cheap plastic syringe as other reviewers had suggested, which helped and was the only part this kit lacked.My results came back on point and I’m relieved and pleased. Money well spent for peace of mind.

I'm not convinced how accurate the readings are , I have a 240lt tank and it shows 1pm in ammonia.I did a 40% water change showed the same after refilling and 8 hours later showed the same.Did a 60% change 2 days later and same results ?I only have 4 small clown fish in 240lt tank and just seems way off.Test strip after the 60% registered 0 . I know test strips are not accurate but I also can not trust the water test kit.Cost in salt and time making me to what I think do un needed water changers.Not convinced how good this test kit is what out going out and buying a different branded kit.

This is a nice kit with everything you need to test your pond water. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I would recommend that you get a syringe or similar to accurately measure the water into the test tubes. I've only given a 4 for accuracy because I'm not a scientist, so I'm not totally sure, but having said that, the reading I got was in line with a test strip used 2 weeks previously. Also, knowing my pond and my fish like I do, I guessed the parameters would be okay, which was confirmed by the kit.

When one of our koi carp unexpected decided to have a “long sleep” at the top of the pond we decided to get a pond water testing kit to put our minds at rest that there was nothing wrong with the chemical balance in the pond.The 4 tests were easy to carry out and check results following the instructions. It’s a bit like school chemistry, putting drops of various indicators into little glass test tubes of pond water. A couple of the chemicals are very hazardous so make sure to take care when carrying out the tests and the kit is therefore not suitable for using with the kids.- PH to check your water isn’t acidic/alkaline. - Ammonia and Nitrate to ensure you are not getting a build up of waste.- Phosphate to check algae level.Turns out we have high phosphate levels (which isn’t as serious as the other chemical imbalances) but we are going to try and improve through partial water changes before adding any chemicals.I feel £25 is quite steep for the a couple of glass test tubes and some small bottles of chemical. However, the bottles contain enough for perhaps 100 tests so should last a long time and the packaging is cleverly designed to safely store the glass test tubes and chemicals until you need them again.

Bit misleading to call it a pond test kit when it doesn’t come with either nitrate or KH tests so really it’s only a part test kit that leaves you buying additional test bottles that make the whole package very expensive compared to other complete test kits on the market, other than that, the tests are very accurate compared to other makes I’ve used.

After giving reliable readings for two months the Nitrate and Ammonia Test bottles began giving the highest readings possible - scaring the life out of me! I trusted API to give accurate results so spent a lot of money of products to save my fish, before realising it was the kit that was completely wrong!! When I opened the bottles up to inspect there was strange black clumps at the bottom. So it is only a good test kit if you also purchase another kit to ensure its accuracy - bit of a waste if you ask me.

When I have bought it I thought I will save some money but soon realised it was a waste of money as the reading is almost always inaccurate.Incredible bad instructions and start and end points are in the instructions are nothing like the real life - makes it hard to read.Some of the test are 20% or more off.Invest in test that works - avoid this one - all reef forums will tell you the same.