Tropic Marin NO2/NO3 Test Freshwater / Saltwater

Nitrite (NO2–) and nitrate ions (NO3–) are formed from ammonium (NH4 +) as part of the nitrification process. Nitrite, which is highly toxic to freshwater species, is produced in…

Tropic Marin NO2/NO3 Test Freshwater / Saltwater

Nitrite (NO2–) and nitrate ions (NO3–) are formed from ammonium (NH4 +) as part of the nitrification process. Nitrite, which is highly toxic 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 nitrate concentrations in saltwater aquariums will eventually inhibit the growth of delicate corals. A danger of high nitrate levels for all aquariums is the strong boost it gives to algae growth. In rare cases, nitrate deficiencies 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 in all aquariums should be less than 0.2 mg/L (ppm) whenever possible. The nitrate concentration should not exceed 20 mg/l (ppm) in saltwater aquariums. When feeding hard corals, the goal is to keep the nitrate concentration below 10 mg/l (ppm). It is advisable to keep the nitrate concentration below 50 mg/L (ppm) in freshwater aquariums. Lower limits for nitrate depend on the general conditions in the aquarium.

With the Tropic Marin® Nitrite / Nitrate Test, the nitrite and nitrate concentrations can be determined using a finely tuned color chart with a range of concentrations for nitrite between 0 - 2 ppm and for nitrate between 0 - 50 ppm.

+/- 50 tests