The API 5 in 1 Test Strips is a multi-purpose kit that will measure multiple parameters of your tank water. So, can you use this product to test for ammonia? You can find out in this guide at Aquarium Blueprints.
The API 5 in 1 Test Strip is able to test the nitrite, nitrate, pH, KH and GH levels of your aquarium. It can’t be used to directly test for ammonia.
If you really want to measure ammonia by using a strip, then you can get the API Ammonia Test Strips instead. If you are interested, you can purchase the product on Amazon with this link (#CommissionsEarned).
Like the 5 in 1 version, the Ammonia Test Strip requires you to simply dip the testing pad into your tank water and then compare the results to the color chart.
If you don’t want to get a separate product, then you may be able to get away with just using the API 5 in 1 Test Strips. This is because nitrites come from ammonia. So, if you have a nitrite spike, then there is a good chance that there is an ammonia spike as well.
For the uninformed, both ammonia and nitrites are considered to be extremely toxic, even at just 0.25 ppm or 0.5 ppm concentration, to the fish and other inhabitants in your fish tank.
Therefore, you need to keep both of these compounds to 0 ppm. If you have a fully cycled tank, then you should have nothing to worry about. If your tank is not cycled, and/or something else is causing the spikes, then you need to take action as soon as possible.
The good news is that the methods are identical when it comes to lowering ammonia and nitrites in your tank. If you are looking for tips to removing these compounds, then you can take a look at our previous guide.
