nt labs nitrate test kit

Test for Nitrate in freshwater. 30 tests.

Nitrate is the final product of a fully funtioning biological aquarium filter and is produced by the beneficial bacteria in the water and filters as they break down the fish’s toxic waste products (ammonia and nitrite). Nitrate is not typically toxic to fish, but excessively high levels (>100mg/l) can cause problems with growth.

The level of nitrate is dependent upon a number of factors, including the nitrate level of your tap water, the feeding of your fish, the number of fish and the type of food fed. High nitrate levels will lead to algal growth. A nitrate level of zero is rare and implies a perfect balance between waste produced by the fish and nutrients taken up by the plant life. Nitrate can be removed / diluted by frequent partial water changes, but remember most UK tap water will already contain an element of Nitrate.

Maintenance of a zero level of nitrate is extremely difficult. The key to maintenance of low nitrates is regular water changes to dilute the build up of nitrate. Also, increasing the higher plant life in the aquarium should use up nitrate. This will lower the amount of nitrate available to algae. It is possible to remove the Nitrate from your tap water with either a reverse osmosis filter or with A-520 resin