The Science of Nitrate
The level of nitrate acceptable to fish and invertebrates is a subject of much debate. All agree that "lower is better". A nitrate level of 40 ppm (mg/L) or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums. Many marine aquarists prefer to keep nitrate levels as low as possible, especially when keeping invertebrates.
Partial water changes reduce nitrates. Other rechargeable filtration material is also available.
Ammonia Test: The quick and accurate way to test for the presence of ammonia. This kit reads 0-6 ppm of ammonia.
pH Test: The quick and accurate way to test pH. Tests a wide range: 6.0 - 9.0.
The Science of Nitrite
Nitrite is produced by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into toxic Nitrite (NO2-). The biological filter then converts nitrite into less-toxic nitrate (NO3-). If not removed, nitrite will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration.
In a new freshwater aquarium, the nitrite level may surge to 10 ppm (mg/L) or more, and then fall rapidly as the biological filter becomes established. The nitrite will be converted to nitrate. This process may take several weeks. In an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L). The presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration
The Science of pH
Highly accuate and economical.
Unique, transparent dome allows clear view of contents. Includes all tests required to test the nitrogen cycle. Test water six different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. Easy to use.
Kit includes computer-calibrated and laminated color cards, 4 glass test tubes and holding tray. Also contains complete, step-by-step instruction booklet, including information on how to correct unsafe water conditions. Compact and easy to store. Over 800 tests.
Nitrate testing is also an indicator of general water quality and filter function; as biological filtration converts ammonia to nitrite and finally to nitrate, other important chemical changes take place in the aquarium. These changes can include the loss of alkalinity (buffering capacity) or the accumulation of phosphate - thus nitrate testing can indicate possible imbalances in other areas without directly testing each one.
The Tetratest® Total Ammonia kit was professionally developed to accurately determine the ammonia level in your aquarium water. The kit contains enough material for 25 tests, including one 6-ml test reagent #1, one 10-ml test reagent #2, one 17-ml test reagent #3, a test vial, color scale, instructions and recommendations.
Tetratest® Total Ammonia kit is safe and accurate to use with other chemical products that remove, reduce or detoxify ammonia from the aquarium and which can cause interference with less-expensive single reagent test methods. This kit is suitable for Freshwater (including outdoor ponds), Brackish and Saltwater systems.
The Tetra Laborett Kit includes reagents, two test vials, a water withdrawal syringe, color scales and instruction booklets with recommendations and helpful hints.Test the water in your aquarium weekly to ensure optimum water quality.
No more messy tests. Lasts 4-6 weeks. Then just replace the cartridges for continuous monitoring.
The Science of Carbonate Hardness (aka - Alkalinity, Buffering Capacity):
Although commercial chemical buffers are available, natural water relies primarily on a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system, hence the name hobby use of "carbonate hardness". Favorable levels of carbonate hardness are between 3° and 10° dH. This kit contains one 10-ml test reagent, a test vial and instructions and recommendations.
