Fritz Ammonia Test Kit

The Fritz Ammonia Test Kit is a liquid reagent test that measures ammonia in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The box contains 130 tests and reads from 0 to 8.0 ppm. Fritz calls it an essential test for new tank setup and cycling, and for diagnosing water quality problems. See all of our water testing supplies.

What's in the Box

• 2 reagent bottles, 1.25 fl oz (37 mL) each
• A test tube
• An instruction card with color charts for freshwater and saltwater

Why Test Ammonia

According to Fritz, ammonia is always being produced, and any measurable amount can be toxic to aquatic life if it is not addressed. It is typically higher in new aquariums while the biological filter becomes established, and it can also show up in established tanks from lack of maintenance, overstocking, or a biological filter disrupted by medication, power loss or a filter disturbance. Ammonia can reach lethal levels very rapidly, so test immediately if fish get sick or die, and monitor closely whenever medications or treatments are in use.

Signs of ammonia poisoning listed by Fritz include heavy breathing and gasping at the surface, clamped fins, discoloration, loss of appetite, increased disease and death.

How to Test

1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with aquarium water.
2. Add 8 drops from Bottle #1 and 8 drops from Bottle #2, holding each bottle upside down and completely vertical.
3. Cap the tube and shake for 5 seconds.
4. Wait five minutes for the color to develop.
5. Match the color against the chart for your water type. The freshwater and saltwater charts vary slightly.

Rinse the tube with clean water after each use, keep test solutions out of the aquarium, and follow the full instructions in the box.

Reading Your Results

In an established aquarium with animals, ammonia should ideally read 0 ppm. Fritz recommends:

• 0.5 to 1.0 ppm: temporarily stop feeding, do a partial water change of about 25%, detoxify ammonia with Fritz Complete water conditioner, and add FritzZyme nitrifying bacteria (FritzZyme 7 Freshwater or FritzZyme 9 Saltwater).
• 1.0 to 2.0 ppm: do a water change of about 50% and follow the steps above.
• 2.0 ppm and up: do a water change of 75% or more, follow the steps above, and consult an expert if the problem persists.

Specifications

Related Fritz Tests

• Fritz Freshwater & Saltwater Master Test Kit includes this ammonia test plus pH, nitrite and nitrate tests.
• Fritz Ammonia Test Strips for quick dip-and-read checks.
• Fritz Nitrite Test Kit and Fritz Nitrate Test Kit to follow the rest of the nitrogen cycle.

FAQ

Does it work in saltwater?
Yes. Fritz states it accurately measures ammonia in both freshwater and saltwater. Use the chart for your water type, since the two charts vary slightly.

How many tests are in the box?
130 tests, as printed on the box.