Nitrate Test kit

RuslanJamil · #1 (**permalink**) 28-01-2006, 11:12 AM

I have a Nutrafin Nitrate test kit. Have always got zero or very low NO3 readings. I decided to verify the readings so I tested immediately after dosing KNO3. Zero nitrates. So I mix a much higher concentration of KNO3 and guess what? Still zero. Maybe I mislabelled the KNO3 bottle (highly unlikely since the plants pearl soon after I add it). So I use Ca(NO3)2 instead. Still zero.

Any recommendations on the Nitrate kit I should use to get reliable readings?

Thanks.

NIX · #2 (**permalink**) 28-01-2006, 01:28 PM

Ruslan, I have the same problem with Nutrafin NO3 tester. I suspect that it does not detect low NO3.

Maybe the product has expired.

I once used the sera NO3 test kit, it's more expensive but able to detech very low NO3. However someone did mention in a forem that accuracy depense on how much powder you put in.

So no conclusion on which test kit is best

RuslanJamil · #3 (**permalink**) 28-01-2006, 07:55 PM

I've noticed that there's some precipitate in the glass bottle that you have to shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Took me about five minutes of shaking to get all of it off the bottom. Still did not make any difference though...

RuslanJamil · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2006, 12:14 AM

Checked the expiry date of the test kit. 31/8/2007!!!

Time to write to the Hagen people I guess...

Cruise Control · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 02:45 PM

I was using the Azoo tester. It wasn't great but it didn't give me zero readings either.

hypersushi2 · #6 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 08:01 AM

Ruslan, try doubling the test water amount and doubling the the required drops. It makes for more accurate readings.

RuslanJamil · #7 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 09:49 AM

I got a response from them. They referred me to their FAQ and we are supposed to mix the precipitate on the bottom of the bottle of Reagent #3 if the chemicals come out of solution and settle on the bottom.

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/faq...T=1&SUBCAT=124

Have yet to see if it fixes the problem...

standoyo · #8 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 04:10 PM

there's an article on nitrate testers on PFK. does not give good ratings for all of those testers save one or two.

give me your email. i'll send it to you.

fecgoh · #9 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 12:24 PM

Ruslan, you can borrow my SERA Nitrate test kit nex time you pop by.

Frankie

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