Fritz Nitrate Test Kit

The Fritz Nitrate Test Kit is a liquid reagent test that measures nitrate in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The box contains 90 tests and reads from 0 to 160 ppm. See all of our water testing supplies.

What's in the Box

• 2 reagent bottles, 1 fl oz (30 mL) each
• A test tube
• An instruction card with color chart

Why Test Nitrate

Fritz explains that nitrate forms from the natural breakdown of waste and is continually produced as waste moves through the nitrogen cycle. It is less harmful than ammonia and nitrite, but it can still be toxic if it builds up to high levels, leading to poor water quality, unwanted algae growth, stress and even death. Nitrate can rise rapidly if the aquarium isn't adequately maintained.

Nitrate is the final product of the nitrogen cycle. In a cycling tank, rising nitrate shows the bacteria are successfully converting nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is removed by water changes or used up by live plants.

How to Test

1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line with aquarium water.
2. Add 10 drops from Bottle #1, then cap the tube and shake gently to mix.
3. Shake Bottle #2 vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
4. Add 10 drops from Bottle #2, then cap the tube and shake for one minute.
5. Wait five minutes for the color to develop, then match it against the color chart.

Fritz stresses that shaking Bottle #2 and the one-minute shake are important for accurate results.

Rinse the tube with clean water after each use, keep test solutions out of the aquarium, and follow the full instructions in the box.

Reading Your Results

Nitrate in an established aquarium will always read above 0 ppm. Fritz lists 20 to 40 ppm as acceptable for most freshwater aquariums and below 20 ppm for most saltwater aquariums. Levels above those ranges may cause fish stress and water quality problems.

To reduce nitrate, Fritz recommends regular partial water changes and FritzZyme Turbo Clean to naturally digest organic sludge.

Specifications

Related Fritz Tests

• Fritz Freshwater & Saltwater Master Test Kit includes this nitrate test plus pH, ammonia and nitrite tests.
• Fritz Ammonia Test Kit and Fritz Nitrite Test Kit to follow the rest of the nitrogen cycle.
• Fritz Phosphate Test Kit to track the other main algae nutrient.

FAQ

What nitrate level should I aim for?
Fritz lists 20 to 40 ppm as acceptable for most freshwater aquariums and below 20 ppm for most saltwater aquariums.

How many tests are in the box?
90 tests, as printed on the box.