Ammonia Test and Nitrate Test

Procedure for an ammonia test

• Put 5 mL of aquarium water in a test tube
• Put 8 drops of ammonia bottle 1 in the test tube - hold the bottle vertical
• Put 8 drops of ammonia bottle 2 in the test tube - hold the bottle vertical
• Swish up the liquids 
• Wait 5 minutes
• Look at the card and hope for yellow
• If the water isn't yellow or is higher than .25 ppm add bacteria

The ammonia can come from fish waste or simple tap water can contain ammonia. High levels of ammonia can harm fish, leading to extensive damage to tissues, especially the gills and kidney, physiological imbalances, impaired growth, decreased resistance to disease, or death.

Procedure for a nitrate test

• Put 5 mL of aquarium in a test tube
• Put 10 drops of nitrate bottle 1 - hold the bottle vertical
• Swirl up
• Take nitrate bottle 2 and shake for 30 seconds
• Put 10 drops of nitrate bottle 2 - hold the bottle vertical
• Shake for 1 minute
• Wait for 5 minutes
• Look at the card and if higher than 40 ppm, place plant into the aquarium

Nitrates can come from algae growth in the aquarium. Nitrates can harm fish if the level is too high, causing slower growth rates or even death.