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Testing your aquarium’s water parameters regularly is an important part of keeping and maintaining a healthy environment for your fish and invertebrates. Fritz Nitrate Test kit is a liquid-reagent-based test that accurately measures nitrate levels in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The kit contains the required reagents for up to 90 tests, a test tube and instruction card with test color chart.
Nitrate (NO3−) is a compound that forms as a result of the natural breakdown of waste in an aquarium. It is continually produced as fish respire and released waste products move through the ammonia cycle. While nitrate is less harmful than ammonia and nitrite, it can still be toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures if it accumulates in high levels. High nitrate levels can lead to poor water quality, unwanted algae growth, and even stress or death to the inhabitants of the aquarium. Therefore, it is essential to test nitrate levels regularly and keep them at a safe and low level for the aquatic inhabitants.
Excess nitrates can cause stress and other water quality issues, even though they are not directly harmful to fish at low levels. Routine maintenance is necessary to keep nitrate concentrations low for a healthy aquarium. Nitrate can accumulate and rise rapidly if not adequately maintained.
Generally, nitrate levels should be below 40 ppm (parts per million) in freshwater aquariums and below 20 ppm in saltwater aquariums, depending on the specific types of fish and other organisms present.
Nitrate is the final product of the nitrogen cycle and should be monitored regularly to assess the progress of the bacteria. An increase of nitrate indicates that the bacteria are converting nitrite to nitrate successfully.
Ammonia comes from fish waste, uneaten food and other decaying organic matter.
The bio filter (nitrifying bacteria) converts toxic ammonia to less toxic nitrite then to even-less harmful nitrate.
Nitrates are removed by regular water changes or consumed by live plants.
To remove childproof safety cap, push down while turning.
Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops added to the water sample..
Cap the test tube and gently shake several times to mix solution. Always use the cap. Avoid skin contact as this may affect the test results.
Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is important to ensure accuracy of test results.
Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops to the water sample.
Cap the test tube and shake for one minute. This step is extremely important to ensure accuracy of test results.
Wait five minutes for the color to develop.
Read the test results by matching the color of the solution against those on the Nitrate Test Color Chart.
DO NOT allow test solutions to get into aquarium. Read and follow all precautions on the product label.
The nitrate level in an established tank will always be above 0 ppm
Acceptable level of nitrate in most freshwater aquariums: 20-40 ppm
Acceptable level of nitrate in most saltwater aquariums: below 20 ppm
Nitrate levels higher than the acceptable range may cause fish stress and water quality issues
