Nitrate is produced by naturally occurring bacteria (Nitrospira spp.), in the water and filters as they break down the fish’s toxic waste products (ammonia and nitrite). In a conventional aquarium, nitrate is the final stage of nitrification and usually accumulates with time.

In a reef aquarium, a concentration of under 10 mg/l is optimal for both coral growth and health. In a marine fish-only system, nitrate should not exceed 20 mg/l. Higher readings are unlikely to affect fish health, but it may promote excess algae growth.

• As part of the nitrogen cycle in your aquarium, organic material that contains nitrogen such as fish excrements and uneaten food degrades and causes nitrite (NO₂) and finally nitrate (NO₃) to accumulate in the water.
• If the nitrate concentration is too high, regular partial water changes (to dilute the levels) should be carried out.
• Additional nitrate reduction can be achieved by adding products such as Reeflowers Bio Clean, Reeflowers Bactria Feeder, Red Sea Nitrate & Phosphate Remover, or a Coral Reef NO₂ & NO₃ Remover Media.

NT Labs Marine Lab Nitrate Test Kit will help you understand the importance of water quality. By having the correct parameters and good water quality, it will help your fish, invertebrates and corals live longer, healthier lives.

Highly accurate, the NT Labs Marine Lab Nitrate Test Kit contains liquid reagents which work by changing the colour of a water sample in relation to the concentration of a given substance. Simply compare the colour of the sample to the easy-to-read colour charts or count the number of drops it takes to alter the colour of the sample.

The tests are liquid drop tests from a calibrated dropper bottle, so all the drops are the same size. Just add your aquarium water to the test tube and count the drops needed. The back of the box details clear pictorial instructions so you can see what to do from the start. A set of colour coded stickers is provided to label both the test tubes and test tube lids, so you always conduct the same test in the same test tube avoiding contamination. Full instructions are included detailing optimum levels and suggestions for correction.

Suitable for marine, reef and brackish aquariums.