Description
This article is from the Beginning
Fishkeeping FAQ, by Thomas Narten with numerous contributions
by others.
44 Nitrate Test Kit
Get this kit! Nitrate levels increase over time in established tanks
as the end result of the nitrogen cycle. (The only exception to this
rule is heavily-planted tanks and some reef tanks, which MAY be able
to consume nitrogen faster than it is produced.) Because nitrates
become toxic at high concentrations, they must be removed periodically
(e.g., through regular water changes). Having a nitrate test kit helps
you determine whether or not your water changes are removing nitrates
quickly enough.
Nitrates become toxic to fish (and plants) at levels of 50-300 ppm,
depending on the fish species. For fry, however, much lower
concentrations become toxic.
Note: A nitrate test kit is only of limited value in determining
whether the nitrogen cycle has completed. Most nitrate test kits
actually convert nitrate to nitrite first, then test for the
concentration of nitrite. That is, they actually measure the combined
concentration of nitrite and nitrate. In an established tank, nitrite
levels are essentially zero, and the kits do properly measure nitrate
levels. While a tank is cycling, however, a nitrate kit can't tell you
how much of the reading (if any) comes from nitrate rather than
nitrite.
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aquaria, fish, acquarium, tank, fishkeeping
