Description

AQUANATURE
NITRATE (NO3) TEST KIT INSTRUCTIONS

• establishes the optimal nitrate level for the development of plants or the potential cause of algae in freshwater and marine environments.

• When to use it: once a week for freshwater aquarium setup. Once a week for the initial setup using sea water. If there are issues with green algae

• On the AQUANATURE.IN you may find comprehensive details and troubleshooting recommendations about water analysis.
• one test kit Sufficient for approx. 70 Tests.

Why Do Nitrate Tests?
Nitrate (NO3) is produced in the aquarium using a biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrates. High nitrate levels indicate the accumulation of fish waste and organic compounds, which leads to poor water quality and increases the likelihood of fish diseases. Keeping nitrate levels low improves fish and invertebrates. Excess nitrate also provides a source of nitrogen that can stimulate algal blooms. Aquarium water should be tested weekly for nitrate levels to prevent nitrate levels from reaching undesirable levels.
Testing Tips
This test kit reads total nitrate (NO3) level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0-160 ppm .
Directions
Remove safety cap:
1. Fill a clean test vials with 5 ml of water to be tested.
2. Shake well NO3 reagent before use. Add 6 drops of Reagent No .1 “SHAKE WELL” and then add 6 drops of Reagent No .2 and 1/3 spoon of solid reagent “SHAKE WELL” for 10 seconds and finally add 6 drops of Reagent .3 “SHAKE WELL” (holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.)
3. Cap the test vials and shake several times to mix solution.
4. Read the test results after 5 minutes observe the color change of the water sample in the vials horizontally, compare with the NO3 color chart, and read the NO3 value of the corresponding water sample.

Recommended NO3 Levels
Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): 0-50 mg/l
Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: 0-50 mg/l
Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): 10-30 mg/l
Marine aquarium: 0-20 mg/l
Pond: 0-10 mg/l.
What the Test Results Indicate

In new aquariums, the nitrate level increases gradually as the biological filter is set. For freshwater aquariums, a nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended. In marine aquariums, it is best to keep nitrates as low as possible, especially when keeping invertebrates.
Decreasing Nitrate Levels in Aquariums

remove nitrates from freshwater aquariums. Partial water changes can also help reduce nitrates, especially if levels are very high. However, since many tap waters contain nitrates, this method can be difficult to reduce. In ponds, nitrate can come from runoff, plant fertilizers, tap water, and as a byproduct of biological filtration. Plants and algae help keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm (mg/l). If the levels are too high, it is recommended to encourage additional plant growth or partial water changes. .