AquaTru ® Nitrite 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 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.

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.

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 version 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.