AquaTru® Nitrite Test Kit
0.15 - 0.75 mg/L (ppm) · Product Code 35520
KPD-45
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nitrite is an intermediate compound formed in the process of oxidation of
nitrogen containing compounds to less toxic nitrate. It is formed as a product
of ammonia metabolism by a type of autotrophic nitrifying bacteria and is
normally converted to nitrate by a second type of autotrophic nitrifying
bacteria. Nitrite, like un-ionized ammonia (NH3), is
toxic to fishes at very low concentrations and therefore should be carefully
monitored. Toxic levels of nitrite are most likely found when the nitrifying
bacteria have not been well established in the aquarium filter bed (as in
the case of a new aquarium set-up). Nitrifying bacteria, if present, will
convert ammonia to nitrite which will quickly rise to toxic and eventually
lethal levels since the bacteria are not yet able to oxidize the nitrite
to the less toxic nitrate. In a typical newly set up aquarium, the nitrite
levels will begin to rise in about 7 to 8 days, peak in approximately 15
days, and decline to undectable levels in about 30 days. Nitrite levels
as low as 0.2 ppm can cause stress to many aquarium fishes. The Kordon AquaTru
Nitrite Test Kit provides a simple and accurate means of monitoring levels
of nitrite in solution. Once nitrifying bacteria are established and remain
undisturbed, high levels of nitrite should not occur.
AQUA-TRU ADVANTAGES
1) Fast and accurate readings appropriate to fish health. Graduations of
concentration are very small to facilitate accurate readings of highly toxic
levels of nitrite.
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 Nitrite concentration: readings of nitrite are
expressed both as nitrite ion and as nitrite nitrogen.
CHEMISTRY OF COLOR REACTIONS
Nitrite reacts with two acids in the Nitrite Powder Pillow Reagent (sulfanilic
and then chromotropic) to form a red complex whose concentration is directly
proportional to the amount of nitrite originally present. By measuring the
intensity of the reddish complex with the color comparator, the concentration
of the nitrite is easily determined.
INTERFERENCES
There are certain compounds (chlorine, nitrogen trichloride) which can interfere
with the color reaction of nitrite. However, their presence in aquarium
water in quatities that would significantly alter the reading is highly
unlikely. For this reason, no special precautions are necessary to prevent
such interference.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCURATE TEST RESULTS
1) Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual
chemicals from any 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 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, Take 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.
DIRECTIONS
1) Following the "Guidelines for accurate test results", obtain
a representative water sample for testing.
2) Open one Powder Pillow Reagent (marked LR NITRITE). Add the the contents
to the water sample, cap, and mix for one minute.
3) Wait 10 minutes to allow for complete color development and determine
the nitrite concentration by matching the solution color to the closest
shade on the color comparator. After use, discard the contents of the cube
and rinse with tap water. Do not return any of the water to the aquarium.
4) The units of the reading obtained is milligrams of nitite per liter of
water (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). If you are using an earlier verrsion
of the color comparator with one set of concentrations printed on the color
strip, you must divide the reading by 3.3 to read the concentration as nitite-nitrogen,.
5) Any positive reading (0.15 ppm and above) should be considered potentially
toxic to many fishes. If the fishes show signs of stress (increased respiration,
clamped fins,etc.) water changes should be made to lower the nitrite concentration
to safer levels. Nitrite toxicity can also be reduced in fresh water by
the addition of sodium chloride (table salt). A stock solution can be made
by adding 1/4 cup of salt to 1 quart of distilled water. Administer at the
rate of 1 teaspoon of stock solution per 5 gallons for each 0.5 mg/L of
nitrite measured.
CAUTIONS
This kit contains potentially harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if
misused. Read label cautions carefully and exercise extreme care during
handling, use, and disposal of these chemicals. First aid instructions are
available on the label on the reagent package. This kit should not be used
by children except under adult supervision. Following use, always clean
hands, test apparatus and test area well.
REAGENT AND COLOR STANDARD STABILITY
The reagents should be used before the expiration date shown on the package.
If the reagents are to be used after the expiration date they should be
checked with an accurate standard solution to insure the reliability of
the reagents. The reagents should be stored in a cool place. The color comparator
strip should not be exposed to strong light sources for an extended length
of time to prevent fading of the colors.
PACKAGING
Kordon's AquaTru Nitrite Test Kits are packaged one kit per box. This kit
is available as part of the Kordon AquaTru Aquarist Master Test Kit, Fresh
Water Master Test Kit and Saltwater Master Test Kits I & II. Replacement
pillows are available in 10 and 50 count bags sufficient for 10 or 50 tests.
Item Number |
Product Description |
35920 |
35920 Nitrite Test Kit |
35720 |
Nitrite Powder Pillow Reagents- 10 ea. per package |
34312 |
Nitrite Powder Pillow Reagents- 50 ea. per package |
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