BiomesInaBox

Category: Reviews

  • API Freshwater Master Test Kit

    API Freshwater Master Test Kit

    The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is a fantastic kit for testing your aquarium’s water. It comes with 7 solution bottles, which allow you to monitor your fish tank’s: pH, High-range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. Ammonia and Nitrate have 2 solution bottles for each because they have part 1 and part 2 to their tests. This Master Test Kit also comes with an instruction book for each test solution, 4 vials for testing, and a color chart for results. It’s one of the best freshwater aquarium test kits, especially if you’re dipping your toes into the hobby and learning how to test water parameters. It’s very accessible, easy to find at stores, and the instructions are easy to follow. Many brands are fantastic for testing water, and that includes the API brand. You can purchase the API Freshwater Master Test Kit (affiliate link) on Amazon.

    Liquid Test or Test Strips?

    Test strips can work in a pinch to provide a rough idea of what your water parameters might be sitting at. However, at least from my experience, test strips are often less accurate than liquid tests. I’ve generally gotten much better results from liquid test kits compared to their strip counterpart. As long as you are following directions correctly, the API Master Test Kit will give great results and provide a fantastic reference point for your fish tank’s water parameters. The strips in question are the API 5-In-1 Test Strips (affiliate link). What works for well for me, may not work well for you. I prefer using the liquid tests, but the test strips may be your preferred method of testing water. That’s the great thing about this hobby, there are many ways to reach a goal.

    How To Use API Freshwater Master Test Kit

    The instructions provide a very clear and straightforward walkthrough of using the test kit. You’ll want to follow the instructions carefully to guarantee accurate results. If you do not have the instructions handy, you can find the API Freshwater Master Test Kit instructions here. I will share the process I use to test my water below. I suggest referencing the instructions for the number of drops needed and solution and water agitating times.

    • Gather necessary supplies for testing (test kit, paper towel, etc.)
    • Prep test kit vials by rinsing them with aquarium water
    • Add 5 ml. of aquarium water to the vial (I use 5 ml Syringes (affiliate link) for easy measuring)
    • Add test solution (reference instructions for appropriate amounts)
    • Depending on the test, allow the solution and aquarium water to sit
    • Compare results to color card
    • Triple-rinse vials and syringes with clean water (sink water should work)

    Each test should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. After testing is complete, make sure the vials and caps are rinsed out well with clean water. This helps prevent contamination in future tests, which guarantees more accurate results.

    Final Notes

    The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is a great way to get into managing your aquarium. It’s a tool, just like a fish net or gravel vacuum that we use to make fishkeeping easier. At the time of this writing, it only costs 36$ and can provide quite a bit of insight into what is happening in your fish tank. I usually purchase this Master Test Kit and buy the API Phosphate Test Kit (affiliate link) as well. Nitrate and Phosphate tests are great to have on hand, especially if you’re seeing algae getting out of control in your fish tank. High nitrates and phosphates usually means there is an abundance of fish waste and food waste in the aquarium, and it might be time for water changes. If you’re having algae problems, check out How To Remove Hair Algae in Aquariums.

  • Hygger 215-1060 GPH Quick Water Change Aquarium Pump – Experience

    Hygger 215-1060 GPH Quick Water Change Aquarium Pump – Experience

    I have recently purchased the Hygger Quick Water Change Aquarium Pump and I am really enjoying this product. I was curious on how this product runs so I purchased two. The first ways the Hygger 215 GPH pump and the other is the Hygger 400 GPH pump. I have been using the smaller pump exclusively for water changes and the larger pump has been running a reactor for my reef tank. I have been using these products for the passed few months and I will go over some of my experiences from using these aquarium pumps.

    Hygger 215 GPH Water Change Aquarium Pump

    I tried using the Hygger 215 GPH pump for my reactor but it was not giving me the flow I needed. I converted this into strictly being my aquarium water change pump. So far, I do not have any complaints for the amount of work this little water pump puts in. This is strictly personal opinion but, for the price, this is one of if not the best pump for aquarium water changes I have used so far. It does quite a bit of work with ease. On top of that, it is only $18.99 on Amazon, so be sure to check it out! I’ll go over some of the perks of this submersible water pump.

    Removes Nasty Gunk

    Although it cannot fit into the smallest nooks and crannies of a fish tank, this little Hygger pump can still clean up some gunk. If there are small pockets of built up detritus in your fish tank, this pump can get small pieces and remove them from your fish tank. Larger pieces do clog the pump so keep that in mind. However, this is great for deep tanks where gravel vacuuming may become challenging.

    At the end of the day, this pump is a bit different than a gravel vacuum. It does not get into gravel but it can skim the surface and pick up some things that like to linger in your tank. Clean fish tank gravel without vacuuming is a dream but this pump can help a little. This doesn’t replace a gravel vacuum but it’s a great tool to use alongside to get your fish tank in top shape.

    Drains to the Last Drop

    Maybe not to the last drop, but when you drop this aquarium water change pump into a bucket to refill your fish tank, you’ll get almost to the bottom. You will have about 1/4″ of water left in your bucket! I think that is incredible! It’s great to use when you are trying to add water or top off sump systems with little overhead space. Using a pump for aquarium water changes has become incredibly easy with this tool. It has helped keep me from spilling water all over the place, made water changes quicker, and overall saved me some time.

    Cost!

    Again, check this pump out on Amazon to see what to expect. I have stated this above but I’ll say it again, you can’t go wrong with a pump that costs $18.99. It’s nice and fairly compact and it works hard for its size. It comes with 2 different adapters (1/2″ and 5/8″) but unfortunately, it does not come with any tubing. Luckily, I always have some tubing lying around that fit this pump.

    Hygger 400 GPH Water Change Aquarium Pump

    The 400 GPH pump has not been used as extensively as the 215 GPH pump. This one was setup for my reactor and has been running without a hitch for about 2 months now. This pump might be better suited for things such as paludarium waterfalls, bird baths, and other things. It could be great for water changes if you’re working with larger aquariums and higher amounts of water. For a smaller aquarium or Nano fish tanks, it’ll definitely be overkill.

    Furthermore, this pump is a little larger. It could be great for skimming through large open substrate areas but it could be a little too much for smaller fish tanks. It never hurts to try this Hygger Aquarium cleaner because it can be found on Amazon for $24.99. I do a lot of research before pulling the trigger on tools and equipment and most reviews for these pumps are positive!

    Final Notes

    No matter what you decide to use these water pumps for, they’re great tools to add to your arsenal for fish tank maintenance. They’re incredibly affordable and will (hopefully) make your life a little easier when it comes to water changes. Hopefully this little insight into Hygger pumps is beneficial and you consider checking them out. If you’re looking for more tools to make your life easier, check out these inexpensive tools to help your saltwater fishkeeping.