AquaTru ® High Range Nitrate Test Kit

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.

Kordon's High Range Nitrate Test Kit provides an easy, accurate means of monitoring nitrate concentrations in water for most freshwater fishes. Rising nitrate concentration is one useful indication of decreasing water quality which can affect the growth and overall health of affected fishes and invertebrates. For this reason the level of nitrates should be monitored in aquariums and ponds (with appropriate water changes made when needed). Although tolerances to nitrate toxicity vary greatly (some species can tolerate an indication of 300-400 ppm or more) the concentration should be kept well below 100 ppm: 35-70 mg/L nitrate would be better for most freshwater fishes. Saltwater fish and invertebrates should be kept in water with no more than 20 mg/L nitrate; Kordon's Low Range Nitrate Test Kit is ideal for this application due to greater accuracy with lower concentrations.

1. Fast and Accurate Readings of a Wide Range of Nitrate Levels. Suited for use when dealing with fish and invertebrates (especially freshwater animals) which are not sensitive to low levels of nitrates.
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 Nitrate Concentration: readings of nitrate are expressed both as nitrate ion and as nitrate nitrogen.

Chloride will also interfere with the test; compensation for this interference has been made in the conversion factor given. The High Range Nitrate Kit calibrations are for freshwater readings, as opposed to the Low Range Nitrate Kit which is calibrated for saltwater use. To convert the High Range Kit readings to saltwater values, multiply by 2.

1. Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual chemicals from previous tests do not interfere with results. It is suggested that tap water be used for the initial rinse so chemicals do not get into the water being sampled when the cube is dipped. Water being sampled should be used for final rinsings so that the residual rinse water won't affect the readings. Discard the rinse water each time so that residual chemicals are not poured into the aquarium or pond.
2. When collecting water samples, take care to obtain a representative sample. For example, collection near the bottom where organic compounds have accumulated can result in a higher reading. To check sampling techniques, two samples can be taken and tested; 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 (d) drain water to correct level (discard excess).
3. Test the water sample immediately after collection. Time that elapses between water collection and analysis can affect test results.
4. When matching the test solution to the color comparator, use white paper as a background and read into normal daylight or incandescent light sources.

1. Following the "Guidelines for Accurate Tests Results", obtain a representative water sample for testing.
2. Open one HR Nitrate Reagent Powder Pillow, add the contents to the water sample. Cap the cube and mix by shaking for one minute. The residual metal in the test solution is excess cadmium and should be disregarded; its presence does not affect test results.
3. Determine the nitrate concentration by matching the solution to the closest color on the comparator. After use, discard the contents of the cube and rinse with tap water. Do not return any water to the aquarium or pond.
4. The reading given is for freshwater applications only. To convert to saltwater readings, multiply the comparator reading by 2.
5. Although tolerances to nitrates vary greatly among species, most freshwater aquariums should be kept below 70 mg/L nitrate. If concentrations of nitrates approach or exceed this level, partial water changes should be made to lower these levels.

Nitrate nitrogen (N) is that nitrogen present in water that is from nitrate ions in the solution. To convert nitrate ion readings to nitrate nitrogen values, divide the nitrate ion reading by 4.4; a nitrate ion concentration of 8.8 ppm = 2.0 ppm nitrate nitrogen
(8.8 divided by 4.4). The conversion factor of 4.4 is based upon weight proportions of the nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate (4.4 grams of nitrate contain one gram of nitrogen).

The calculation of the conversion factor is as follows:

Nitrogen atomic weight: 14.01
Oxygen atomic weight: 16.00
Molecular weight NO 3 (nitrate): (M.W. nitrogen) + (3) (M.W. oxygen) = (14.01) + (3) (16.00) = 62.01
Nitrate nitrogen (i.e., the nitrogen from nitrate ion only) = 14.01divided by 62.01 = 0.2259

Therefore, to convert nitrate nitrogen to nitrate ion concentration, multiply by 0.2259, which is the same as 1 divided by 0.2259 = 4.43 ~ 4.4.
Conversely, to convert nitrate nitrogen to nitrate ion concentration, multiply by the same factor of 4.4.
From this, one can see that without the knowledge of how a nitrate concentration is expressed, a 4.4-fold error can result.