Monitor nitrite to help prevent fish loss. Reads nitrite 0-5ppm.

Nitrite is produced in the aquarium by fish waste and uneaten fish food. Low levels of nitrite inhibit respiration and supress the immune system; high levels cause suffocation and fish death.

This kit contains: liquid dropper with child-resistant safety cap, easy-to-read- instructions with information on how to test and how to correct unsafe water conditions, color chart and glass test tube with snap-tight cap.

Why Test For Nitrite?
Nitrite (NO2-) is produced in the aquarium/pond by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert ammonia into nitrite. The biological filter then converts nitrite into nitrate (NO3-). Nitrite in the aquarium/pond is toxic; it will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration, and high levels will quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune system and increasing the likelihood of disease. Too many fish, as well as uneaten fish food and decomposing plants and other organic matter can cause excessive nitrite levels. Water should be tested for nitrite every other day when the aquarium/pond is first set up, and once a week after the biological filter has been established (in about 4 - 6 weeks).

Testing Tips
This test kit reads total nitrite (NO2-) level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 - 5.0 ppm (mg/L).

Directions
To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.
3. Cap the test tube and shake for 5 seconds.
4. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop.
5. Read the test results by comparing the color of the solution to the Nitrite Color Card. The tube should be viewed in a well-lit area against the white area of the card. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of nitrite in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.

What the Test Results Mean
In new aquariums/ponds the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5 ppm (mg/L) or more. As the biological filter becomes established, nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm mg/L). In an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0; any level above 0 can harm fish. The presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration. Reducing Aquarium Nitrite Levels Add API NITRA-ZORB® to the aquarium filter to remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums. Making partial water changes can also help reduce nitrite, especially if the initial level is very high. Use API STRESS ZYME® to help speed the development of the biological filter. Adding API AQUARIUM SALT will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is removing the nitrite.