Features:

For determining the nitrite and nitrate concentration

Nitrite (NO₂^-) is an intermediate stage created from ammonia in a process known as “nitrification”, which is strongly toxic for fish and invertebrates. Its physiological effects are based on the inhibition of oxygen transport in the blood, and it impedes cell breathing. Nitrate (NO₃^-) is the final stage of the nitrification and influences the life quality and comfort of fish and invertebrates too. Higher concentrations can reduce the growth of sensitive corals and promote heavy undesirable algae growth.

With the Tropic Marin^® Nitrite/Nitrate-Test the nitrite and nitrate concentrations can be determined using a finely-tuned color chart which has a range of concentrations for nitrite of between 0.01 – 2 ppm and for nitrate of between 1 – 100 ppm.

Benefits:

How to use:

In seawater the nitrite content should lie below the test detection threshold; values of more than 0.05 ppm are unacceptable. The nitrate content should not exceed 20 ppm in seawater and should ideally lie below 10 ppm in reef aquaria.

Nitrite determination:
1. Shake the reagent bottles prior to every use.

2. Rinse the glass cuvette several times with the water sample to be tested. Use the dosing syringe to inject 5 ml of the water sample into the cuvette.

3. Then add 5 drops of test reagent A into the cuvette. Close the cuvette with the plastic plug and shake it briefly. Set down the cuvette.

4. After 3 minutes of development time, open the cuvette and add 2 drops of test reagent C. Close the cuvette and shake briefly.

5. Then open the test cuvette and place it on the nitrite color card. Look into the opened cuvette from above and move it on the color card until the cuvette and the color field above display the same color. Read off the nitrite concentration above the colored field.

Nitrate determination:
1. Shake the reagent bottles prior to every use.

2. Rinse the glass cuvette several times with the water sample to be tested. Use the dosing syringe to inject 5 ml of the water sample into the cuvette.

3. Then add 10 drops of test reagent A into the cuvette, mix briefly and then add a level dosing spoon of test reagent B. Close the cuvette with the plastic plug and shake it briefly.

4. Now add 4 drops of reagent C; close the vial again and shake. Set down the cuvette.

5. After 3 minutes of development time open the test cuvette and place it on the nitrate color card. Look into the opened cuvette from above and move it on the color card until the cuvette and the color field above display the same color. Read off the nitrate value above the colored field.

Reference solution D:
The reliability of the test should be tested for nitrate concentrations below 5 ppm. For this purpose, add five drops of reagent D to a new sample. If the test shows a pink color development (30 ppm) then, the reliability of the reagents is still ensured.

Prevention:
If your water has a nitrite and/or nitrate concentration which is too high, we recommend:
– Check feed quantity and reduce it if necessary
– Partial water changes
– Check the amount of life stock and reduce it if necessary
– Use of a nitrite/nitrate adsorb (e.g. Tropic Marin^® BIO-ACTIF PROFESSIONAL LINE)

Safety Advice:
Keep out of reach of children!

Nitrite/Nitrate-Test reagent A contains acetic acid • Irritating to eyes and skin • Rinse thoroughly with water after contact with skin or eyes and consult a doctor.

Nitrite/Nitrate-Test reagent C contains propylene glycol • Highly flammable • Rinse thoroughly with water after contact with skin or eyes • In case of accident or illness contact a doctor immediately and show the packaging.

Storage life:
The reagents can be used up to 12 months after first use. When the detection capability of the test is no longer sufficient, no color development will be seen even at elevated phosphate levels. The reliability of the test could be tested with reagent D.

The entire instruction manual as PDF file can be found here: NITRITE-/NITRATE-TEST

Item                                        Art-N°

Nitrite-/Nitrate-Test                        28090