Test Kits

API pH Test Kit

Liquid testFreshwater250 tests

The API pH Test Kit reads the low range of 6.0 to 7.6, which covers the great majority of freshwater tanks — tetras, rasboras, corydoras, livebearers, gouramis and planted aquariums all sit in it. A single reagent bottle gives 250 tests, with a glass test tube and a colour chart. pH drifts as a tank matures and as tap water changes through the year, and a weekly reading is the way to catch a slide before fish and plants react to it. For cichlid, marine or very alkaline water, use the High Range pH kit instead.

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Technical details

Test type	Liquid reagent
Parameters	pH
Range	6.0 – 7.6
Tests per kit	250
Suitable for	Freshwater aquariums
In the box	1 reagent bottle, glass test tube, colour chart, instructions
Made by	Mars Fishcare, USA

What pH should my freshwater tank be?

Stable first, exact second. Most community fish and plants are comfortable anywhere from 6.5 to 7.5, and a tank that holds steady at 7.4 is healthier than one that swings between 6.8 and 7.6 every week. Soft-water species such as discus and wild tetras prefer the lower end, livebearers and goldfish the upper end. Read pH at the same time each week; a steady fall usually means carbonate hardness has run out and needs topping up, while a sudden change after a water change points at the tap water. Correct gently with pH Up, pH Down or a Proper pH buffer, never more than 0.2 a day.

The range most freshwater fish live in

Between 6.0 and 7.6 lies the home range of almost every tropical community species and the sweet spot for planted tanks. The kit divides that band into clear colour steps so a drift from 7.0 to 6.6 is visible before anything else shows it.

Two hundred and fifty tests

A single bottle of reagent covers 250 tests — a weekly reading for nearly five years on one tank. The glass tube rinses clean and lasts indefinitely.

Know which pH kit you need

If your test reads at the very top of the chart, the water may be above 7.6 and this kit cannot say how far. The High Range kit reads 7.4 – 8.8 for hard-water, cichlid and marine tanks, and the Wide Range kit covers 5.0 – 9.0 for ponds and general use.

Frequently asked questions

Which pH kit do I need — this one, high range or wide range?

This low-range kit for most freshwater tanks (6.0 – 7.6); the High Range kit for cichlid, marine or hard alkaline water (7.4 – 8.8); the Wide Range kit for ponds or when you have no idea where the water sits (5.0 – 9.0).

Can I use it on a saltwater tank?

No. Marine water sits around 8.2, above this kit’s range. Use the High Range pH Test Kit.

How often should I test pH?

Weekly, at the same time of day, and after any water change or treatment. pH naturally dips overnight in a planted tank, so consistent timing matters.

How many tests does it contain?

About 250 from the single reagent bottle.

Is the API pH Test Kit available in South Africa?

Yes — Jungle Aquatics in Fourways, Johannesburg stocks it and delivers nationwide; live pricing and stock are on jungleaquatics.com.

Stocked & supported by Jungle Aquatics

South Africa's leading pet and aquarium store since 2007 — with the API range on the floor in Fourways, advice from people who test water every day, and easy ordering from anywhere in the country.

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