The most popular and common testing kit is the API ammonia kit. These are accurate and easy to use. Most kits come with a test tube, a few bottles of testing solution, and a color chart to measure the ammonia levels. The API kit can measure both fresh and saltwater fish tanks. If you get a different kit type, make sure it’s for the type of tank you have.

Make sure the test tube is clean when you do this, or you might get tainted results. Some pros like to use a small medical dropper, similar to a turkey baster, to fill the tube. You can find these at pharmacies. [3] X Research source

Don’t mix up the testing solutions and add them out of order. This will mess up your results. Different test kits may tell you to add a different number of drops, ranging from 5 to 7. [5] X Research source It’s important to keep the bottle vertical because if it’s crooked, the drops might not be the same size. This could ruin your results. [6] X Research source Be careful with the testing solutions. They can irritate your skin and eyes.

Some testing kits have a third testing solution to add, so make sure you double check the instructions that come with the kit that you use. [8] X Research source

Test to make sure the cap is on tight. The test solution is irritating, so you don’t want it spilling out.

For the API kit, the recommended wait time is 5 minutes. [10] X Research source On other kits, the recommended time is as long as 15-20 minutes. [11] X Research source The water will probably change color pretty quickly. Still let it sit for the recommended time and let the solution work.

With most kits, yellow means that there’s no ammonia, and as the color gets greener, it indicates a higher ammonia level. Some kits have 2 charts, 1 for freshwater and 1 for saltwater. Make sure you’re using the right chart for your tank. [13] X Research source

A normal scale for an ammonia kit in ppm is 0. 0, 0. 25, 0. 5, 1. 0, and so on. No matter what the scale is, clean your tank if the reading is above 0. 0.

Never pour the test solution back into the tank. This will poison the fish.

There are packages with just ammonia test strips, and there are larger sets that have strips to measure pH and nitrates. A larger set might be handy to check the overall water quality in your tank. Strips can usually work in fresh or saltwater, but be sure to confirm this on the package. Generally, pros prefer testing kits over strips because they’re more accurate. However, strips are quick and convenient, so you might find them easier to use.

Some testing strips might have different instructions, so always follow those if they’re different.

Usually, yellow means that there’s no ammonia, and the color gets greener if there’s a higher level of ammonia. Throw out the test strip after you’re done. They aren’t reusable.

The scale for testing strips varies depending on the brand. No matter what the scale is, you don’t want any ammonia in your tank.

Ammonia can build up in a tank if there is a problem with your filter or it’s been a while since you changed the water. This is why regular testing is important.

It’s a good idea to schedule a tank cleaning when you’re adding new fish to get rid of any contaminants.

In general, if ammonia levels are so high that it’s affecting your fish, you might not be testing or cleaning or tank regularly enough.