Nitrate titration test kit?

phenom5 · 02/12/2009, 05:23 PM

Quick question. Are there any test kits out there for nitrate that use titrations instead of color matching?

I have yet to find a nitrate test kit that gives a good, easy to read result. Suggestions?

xJake · 02/12/2009, 05:48 PM

I believe the only titration-method available for testing nitrate involves the use of mercury - not something you really want to mess around with. Nitrate test kits designed for aquariums are pretty easy to use... if you know how to use them (i.e. beyond the manufacturer's instructions).

If you want a bit more accuracy, you can always simply change the resolution of the colorimetric scale by diluting the sample with RO/DI water and then multiplying the result by whatever factor you diluted the sample by. I've always found Seachem-brand Nitrate test kits to be the easiest to discern, but I don't have any problems using others with similar results.

Ultimately, the only thing that a useful nitrate test kit needs to tell you is whether or not its even there. If it tests positive, then you need to find a way to bring it down; if it's undetectable then you don't need to worry about it.

Icefire · 02/12/2009, 11:12 PM

API nitrate kit is very easy to match.

Most nitrate test kit use Cadnium, so not worst than mercury..

02/12/2009, 05:23 PM	#1
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	Nitrate titration test kit? Quick question. Are there any test kits out there for nitrate that use titrations instead of color matching? I have yet to find a nitrate test kit that gives a good, easy to read result. Suggestions? __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav

02/12/2009, 11:12 PM	#3
Icefire Seasoned reefer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In Quebec, Canada Posts: 3,653	API nitrate kit is very easy to match. Most nitrate test kit use Cadnium, so not worst than mercury.. __________________ Temp 80F, PH 8.5-8.0, Alk 6.8-7.2, Ca 430, Mg 1700, NO3 0-0.25, PO4 0.04, 34.4 PPT Lights @ 100% all others, 35% White Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 120lbs live rocks, Hydra52 2x120W, 2 MP40+ 1 MP10 @ 70%, Phosban 550 GFO+Carbon, 200W Heater, SWC Skimmer, Kalk ATO, 150 gpd RODI

02/12/2009, 05:48 PM	#2
xJake Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,385	I believe the only titration-method available for testing nitrate involves the use of mercury - not something you really want to mess around with. Nitrate test kits designed for aquariums are pretty easy to use... if you know how to use them (i.e. beyond the manufacturer's instructions). If you want a bit more accuracy, you can always simply change the resolution of the colorimetric scale by diluting the sample with RO/DI water and then multiplying the result by whatever factor you diluted the sample by. I've always found Seachem-brand Nitrate test kits to be the easiest to discern, but I don't have any problems using others with similar results. Ultimately, the only thing that a useful nitrate test kit needs to tell you is whether or not its even there. If it tests positive, then you need to find a way to bring it down; if it's undetectable then you don't need to worry about it.