API Liquid Ammonia test is caustic?

I recently bought an API liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, high range pH) and I have tested all my water parameters except ammonia. I've been having ammonia problems lately, so I know I need to test my water. However, when I was testing, I noticed about a million warnings in the manual and on the bottle for the ammonia test. They say the test is highly caustic and very harmful. I'm a little scared to use it - I don't want to accidentally hurt myself or mess up my plumbing doing a weekly ammonia test. It seems a little ridiculous that they don't have a less harmful way to test the water. I'm considering getting the strips instead now that I noticed this, but I know they're not as accurate. Does anyone have any experience with this? Obviously, I can get some latex gloves and be very careful, but I'm wondering what other people who use liquid tests kits do. Thanks for your help.

 

It is caustic however I have poured a lot on my hand on accident before and with a quick wash of water nothing happened. Not even any pain

 

Okay thanks a lot! I'll just try to be careful when testing. That's a huge relief.

 

haha yes I know it is scary to see that written on the bottles but it is just a warning because they have to put it there. I would try your best to avoid contact if you can and wearing gloves is a very smart idea too. Just make sure that if it hits your skin that it doesn't get in contact with your eyes or mouth. So basically wash your hands before touching anything. If it touches your hands try to also make sure you don't touch anything to do with your aquarium as the chemical would not be good for the fish

 

Sounds good, thanks a bunch. I've been careful not to let the chemicals near the other tank stuff.

 

Hello,

I've been using the API Liquid Master Test Kit for many years with no issues. Just use caution as you would for any chemical and everything should be fine. Do not hold these test bottles over your aquarium. Fill the test tubes and move away from the aquarium.

Ken

 

Thanks everyone. I did all my tests today and latex gloves work great.