API Nitrate Test Kit For Freshwater And Saltwater Fish Aquarium Helps To Maintain A Safe And Healthy Fish Tank
- This test kit ensures that the nitrate levels in your tank are safe and healthy for your fish
- High nitrate levels in your aquarium indicate a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and an increase in algae growth
- Maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates
- The test kit reads nitrate parameters from 0 to 160 ppm
- May be used for both fresh and saltwater aquariums
- Contains 2 bottles of liquid test reagent, 2 colour cards for easy comparison, 1 glass test tube with a snap-tight cap, and step-by-step instructions on how to fix unsafe water nitrate levels
- It is important to closely monitor your aquarium conditions to create a safe underwater world for your fish
- This test kit provides an easy and accurate way to keep your fishy friends happy and healthy
Why Test for Nitrate?
- Nitrate is produced in the aquarium by the biological filter
- Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrate
- A high nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease
- Maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates
- Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms
- Aquarium water should be tested for nitrate once a week to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level
Pack Contains:
- 90 tests
- 2 test solutions
- easy-to-ready instructions
- Glass test tube
- Colour chart
Testing Tip
- This test kit reads total nitrate level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per litre (mg/L) from 0 – 160 ppm.
Directions for Use
- Fill a clean test tube with 5mL of water to be tested (to the line on the tube)
- Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution #1, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops
- Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix the solution
- Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution #2 for at least 30 seconds – this step is very important to ensure accuracy of test results
- Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution #2 holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops
- Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute – this step is very important to ensure accuracy of test results
- Wait 5 minutes for the colour to develop
- Read the test results by comparing the colour of the solution to the appropriate Nitrate Colour Card (choose either Freshwater or Saltwater). The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrate in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use
What the Test Results Mean
- In new aquariums, the nitrate level will gradually climb as the biological filter becomes established
- A nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums
- In marine aquariums, it is best to keep nitrate as low as possible, especially when keeping invertebrates
Reducing Nitrate Levels
- Add API NITRA-ZORB / AQUA DETOX to the filter to remove nitrate from freshwater aquariums
- Making partial water changes can also help reduce nitrate, especially if the level is very high
- However, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method
- In ponds, nitrate can come from runoff water, plant fertilisers, tap water supplies and as the by-product of biological filtration
- Plants and algae will help to keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm (mg/L)
- If the levels are too high, promoting additional plant growth or partial water changes are advised
- To help plants grow and bloom, re-pot your plants with API POND AQUATIC PLANT MEDIA