Description
Nitrate is produced by the beneficial bacteria in the water and filters as they break down the fish’s toxic waste products (ammonia and nitrite). Nitrate is not typically toxic to fish, but excessively high levels (>100mg/l) can cause problems with growth. The desired nitrate (NO₃) level is less than 50mg/l in aquariums and 10 mg/l in garden ponds.
• As part of the nitrogen cycle in your aquarium, organic material that contains nitrogen such as fish excrements and uneaten food degrades and causes nitrite (NO₂) and finally nitrate (NO₃) to accumulate in the water.
• Nitrate in concentrations greater than 50 mg/l in aquaria promote strong algae growth.
• Nitrate in concentrations greater than 10 mg/l in garden ponds also promote strong algae growth.
• If the nitrate concentration is too high, a partial water change (to dilute the levels) should be carried out. Tip: test new water first as sometimes tap water levels can be high too. In addition, good plant growth helps to reduce excess nitrate.
• Additional nitrate reduction can be achieved by adding Tetra Nitrate Minus (RC071 or 072) for aquariums , or a Coral Reef NO₂ & NO₃ Remover Media pad in ponds.
NT Labs Nitrate Test Kit will help you understand the importance of water quality. By having the correct parameters and good water quality, it will help your fish and plants live longer, healthier lives.
Highly accurate, the NT Labs Nitrate Test Kit contains liquid reagents which work by changing the colour of a water sample in relation to the concentration of a given substance. Simply compare the colour of the sample to the easy-to-read colour charts or count the number of drops it takes to alter the colour of the sample.
The tests are liquid drop tests from a calibrated dropper bottle, so all the drops are the same size. Just add your aquarium water to the test tube and count the drops needed. The back of the box details clear pictorial instructions so you can see what to do from the start. A set of colour coded stickers is provided to label both the test tubes and test tube lids, so you always conduct the same test in the same test tube avoiding contamination. Full instructions are included detailing optimum levels and suggestions for correction.
Suitable for tropical and coldwater aquariums. For brackish or marine set ups, we recommend you use NT Labs Marine Labs Test Kits to obtain the most accurate results.
