AquTru ® Ammonia Test Kit
(nessler method)

Kordon's AquaTru Test Kits were designed for accuracy with several important criteria in mind:
1-Dry,stable reagents
2-Dated reagents
3-Accurate, translucent color comparators
4-Comprehensive instructions
5-Measurement ranges that are correct for aquarium use.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
AquaTru Water Quality Test Kits pioneered the use of dry reagents for use in aquarium water testing. The major advantage of dry reagents is in their shelf life. Dry reagents are more stable than liquid reagents, which means the aquarist can perform tests with the confidence of knowing the results will be as accurate as possible when using a "colorimetric" type test. Kordon also dates their reagents. All manufacturer's reagents, whether dry or liquid, are subject to degradation. Because the reagent chemicals break down over time, it is important to know the age of the reagents and their expected life.

Made in U.S.A.

Increased concentration of ammonia in aquarium water can result in gill tissue damage, stress and eventual death to the fish if it is not controlled. In an established biological filter, nitrifying bacteria will utilize ammonia and convert it to nitrite; however this conversion is dependent upon environmental conditions including pH, oxygen content and temperature of the water. If conditions inhibit nitrification (conversion of ammonia to nitrite) or if the bacteria in the filter have not been established, the ammonia can reach dangerous levels in a very short period of time. As little as 0.6 mg/L total ammonia can be toxic to fish. Although the proportion of total ammonia that is in the more toxic (un-ionized) form is pH and temperature dependent, it is necessary to accurately monitor the total ammonia present so that the actual concentration of the more toxic form can be determined.

1. Fast and accurate readings in ranges appropriate to fish health. Graduations of concentration are very small to facilitate accurate readings of highly toxic ammonia.
2. Highly stable powdered reagents. Sealed in foil pillows and dated to insure freshness.
3. Easy-to-use kit: simple step-by-step instructions and explanations.
4. Practical expression of ammonia concentration: readings of ammonia are expressed as ammonia ion and as ammonia nitrogen.

1. Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual chemicals from previous test do not interfere with results. It is suggested that tap water be used for the initial rinse so chemicals do not get into the aquarium when the cube is dipped. Aquarium water should be used for final rinses so that the residual rinse water will not affect the readings. Discard the rinse water each time so that residual chemicals are not poured into the aquarium.
2. When collecting water samples, take care to obtain a representative sample. For example, temperature differences near the surface can result in pH readings that differ from midwater samples. Although the affect is minimal, sampling techniques should be tested, Tale two samples and analyze according to kit instructions; any variation in the results indicates that more care should be exercised when collecting samples. A recommended method is to (a) submerge the rinsed, capped cube to midwater, (b) open the cube and allow to fill, (c) cap while still submerged and remove, and (d) drain water to correct level (discard excess).
3. Test the water sample immediately following collection. Time elapsed between collection and analysis may affect test results.
4. When matching the test solution to the color cube, use white paper as a background and read into normal daylight or incandescent light sources.

1. Following the "Guidelines for accurate test results", obtain a representative water sample for testing.
2. If testing seawater or fresh water with high hardness, open one pillow marked AMMONIA 1 ROCHELLE , add the contents to the sample and shake to mix.
3. Open and add the contents of the pillow marked AMMONIA 2 NESSLER, cap and shake for one minute.
4. Match the resulting color to that which is closest on the color cube and read concentration directly as total ammonia, NH 3 + NH 4 + (not total ammonia nitrogen, NH 3 - N). Although all fishes have varying tolerances to ammonia, water changes should be made when total ammonia approaches or exceeds 0.6 ppm.

Ammonia nitrogen is that nitrogen present in water that is from total ammonia in the solution. To convert total ammonia ion readings to ammonia nitrogen values, divide the ion reading by 1.3. A total ammonia concentration of 2.6 ppm equals 2.0 ppm ammonia nitrogen (2.6÷1.3). The conversion factor of 1.3 is based upon weight proportions of the nitrogen and hydrogen in ammonia (1.3 grams of ammonia contain 1 gram of nitrogen).

The calculation of the conversion factor is as follows:

Nitrogen atomic weight: 14.01

Hydrogen atomic weight: 1.01

Molecular weight NH4 (ammonium): (M.W. nitrogen) + (4) (M.W. hydrogen) = (14.01 + (4) (1.01) =18.05

Ammonia nitrogen = 14.01÷18.05 = 0.7762

Therefore, to convert total ammonia ion to ammonia nitrogen, multiply by 0.7762, which is the same as dividing 1 by .7762 . This equals 1.2883 (rounded off to 1.3).

Conversely, to convert ammonia nitrogen to total ammonia ion, multiply by the same factor of 1.3.

From this, one can see that without the knowledge of how an ammonia concentration is expressed, a 1.3 fold error can result. Although this is relatively small, it can still be critical due to the high toxicity of ammonia to fish.