Aquatest NO2 for measurement of the nitrite concentration in the range of 0 – 1.5 ppm
Why measure NO2?
Nitrites are formed in the oxidation of ammonium compounds by aerobic bacteria. Nitrites are intermediate products of the nitrogen cycle. In the next stage of oxidation, nitrites are converted into nitrates which constitute the final product of the nitrogen cycle in aquariums.
Nitrites are toxic and dangerous to fish:
- NO2 > 0.3 ppm is harmful to fish;
- NO2 > 1 ppm is highly toxic;
- NO2 > 5 ppm is lethal.
The danger related to the elevated nitrite concentration occurs as a consequence of protein build-up in a fish tank along with insufficient aeration and growth of an unbeneficial bacterial flora. Among the main reasons of such a situation are overstocking with too many fish, overfeeding, an uncleaned substrate, dirty filters or adding a substance causing die-off of bacteria that participate in the nitrogen cycle.
Aquatest NO2 set contains:
- 2 bottles with reagent solutions
- a colour scale
- a test tube
- a syringe
- manual
How to use:
- add a suitable quantity of drops of each indicator to the water sample
- let the solution stand for 5 minutes
- match the obtained colour with the corresponding colour scale to read the result.
How to stabilize nitrite?
At a nitrite concentration of 0.5 – 1 ppm, half of the aquarium water should be changed. However, in case of a concentration exceeding 1 ppm, almost complete water change is necessary. Additionally, intensive aeration along with filters and substrate cleaning is required.
