Measuring range & accuracy
Measurement range for nitrite: 0 - 2.0 mg/l (ppm)
Measurement range for nitrate: 0.5 - 50 mg/l (ppm)
Accuracy for nitrite: 0.02 mg/l (ppm)
Accuracy for nitrate: 0.5 mg/l (ppm)
About nitrite and nitrate
Nitrite (NO2–) and nitrate ions (NO3–) are formed from ammonium (NH4+) as part of the nitrification process. Nitrite, which is highly poisonous to freshwater species, is produced in the first stage of the bacterial process. If the nitrification process works, nitrite is converted to nitrate in the second stage. Higher concentrations of nitrate in saltwater aquariums will end up inhibiting the growth of delicate corals. A danger posed by high nitrate content for all aquariums is the strong boost it provides to algae growth. In rare cases, nitrate shortages can also occur. Therefore, the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate in the aquarium water should be tested regularly.
As a general rule, the nitrite concentration should be less than 0.2 mg/l (ppm) in all aquariums wherever possible. It is advisable to keep the nitrate concentration in freshwater aquariums below 50 mg/l (ppm), whereas the concentration should not exceed 20 mg/l (ppm) in saltwater applications. When nurturing hard corals, the aim is to keep the nitrate concentration below 10 mg/l (ppm). Lower limits for nitrate depend on the general conditions in the aquarium.
Package contents
- 20 ml / 0.68 fl.oz. of reagent A
- 20 ml / 0.68 fl.oz. of reagent B
- 10 ml / 0.34 fl.oz. of reagent C
- 1 glass cuvette 10 ml
- 1 dosing syringe 5 ml
- 1 colour card
- 1 instructions for use