API Nitrite Test Kit For Freshwater And Saltwater Fish Aquarium Helps To Maintain A Safe And Healthy Environment For Your Fishy Friends
- The test kit quickly and accurately measures nitrite levels in aquarium water to keep your fish happy and healthy
- Nitrite is a toxic chemical produced when nitrifying bacteria break down ammonia in water
- Nitrite can occur due to fish waste and uneaten fish food in the tank
- Low levels of nitrite inhibit respiration and suppress the immune system
- High nitrite levels can result in fish suffocation and death
- By testing your aquarium’s nitrite level, you can correct it before it becomes unsafe for your fish
- Measures nitrite levels from 0 ppm - 5 ppm (mg/L)
- The test kit is a quick, easy and simple way to keep your fishy friends safe, happy and healthy
Why Test for Nitrite?
- Nitrite is produced in the aquarium/pond by the biological filter
- Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert ammonia into nitrite
- The biological filter then converts nitrite into nitrate
- Nitrite is toxic and will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration, and high levels will lead to death
- Even trace amounts of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune system and increasing the likelihood of disease
- Too many fish, as well as uneaten food and decomposing plants and other organic matter, can cause excessive nitrite levels
- Water should be tested for nitrite when the aquarium is first set up, and once a week after the biological filter has been established (in about 4-6 weeks)
- Using API QUICK START will help accelerate the development of the biological filter
Pack Contains:
- 180 tests
- 1 test solution
- Glass test tube
- Colour chart
- Easy-to-read instructions
Testing Tips
- This test kit reads total nitrite level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per litre (mg/L) from 0 - 5 ppm (mg/L)
Directions for Use
- Fill a clean test tube with 5mL of water to be tested (to the line on the tube)
- Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops
- Cap the test tube and shake for 5 seconds
- Wait 5 minutes for the colour to develop
- Read the test results by comparing the colour of the solution to the Nitrite Colour Card - 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 nitrite in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use
What The Test Results Mean:
- In new aquariums/ponds, the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5 ppm (mg/L) or more
- As the biological filter becomes established, nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm (mg/L)
- In an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0; any level above 0 can harm fish
- The presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration
Reducing Aquarium Nitrite Levels
- Add API NITRA-ZORB/AQUA DETOX to the aquarium filter to remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums
- Making partial water changes can also help reduce nitrite, especially if the initial level is very high
- Use API QUICK START to help speed the development of the biological filter
- Adding API AQUARIUM SALT will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is removing the nitrite
Reducing Pond Nitrite Levels
- Make sure adequate oxygenation and surface agitation are provided
- If the nitrite level exceeds 0.50 ppm, begin making water changes (25%) every 2 days until nitrite drops to 0.25 ppm or less
- Even a low level of nitrite can cause severe stress to pond fish, leading to disease outbreaks and fish death
- To reduce the harmful effects of nitrite, add API POND SALT as directed
- POND SALT will also add the natural electrolytes that fish lose in times of stress