AquaTru ® Low 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.

Made in U.S.A.

1. Fast and Accurate Readings of Low Levels of Nitrates: Reads in the range of appropriate for fishes and invertebrates especially sensitive to nitrate toxicity.
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 as both as nitrate ion and as nitrate nitrogen. .

Since the nitrate in solution is converted to nitrite before the color compound is formed, any nitrite in solution will increase the apparent nitrate concentration. This should be of little concern in a well conditioned aquarium since nitrite concentrations will be very low with respect to nitrite levels. However, when conditioning an aquarium or pond, nitrite levels may be significant when compared to nitrate levels. In any such case, the nitrite test should be done in addition to the nitrate test for accurate levels. The nitrite reading (ppm NO 2 ) reading should be subtracted from the nitrate (ppm NO 3 ) reading to yield an accurate nitrate concentration.

Chloride will also interfere with the test; compensation for this interference has been made in the conversion factor provided.

1. Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual chemicals from previous tests to 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 reagent pillow marked LR NITRATE and add to the water sample, cap and mix for 1 1/2 minutes by inverting the test cube.
3. Open one reagent pillow marked LR NITRITE, add it to the water sample, cap and mix for 30 seconds.
4. Allow the mixture to react for 5 minutes and determine the nitrate concentration by matching the closest color on the comparator. After use, discard the contents of the cube and rinse with tap water. Do not return any rinse water to the aquarium or pond.
5. The reading given is for saltwater . For freshwater testing, multiply the comparator reading by 0.6 for the actual value.
6. Freshwater fish and invertebrates should be kept in the range of 35-70 mg/L nitrate or lower, and marine fish and invertebrates should be kept in water below 20 mg/L. Although tolerances to nitrates vary greatly among species, water changes should be performed when concentrations approach these levels.

Nitrate nitrogen 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) = 14.01 divided 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.