Easy to Read Nitrate Test Kit?

[gnatster]

I'm having quite a bit of trouble with the subtle shade differences in the Nitrate test kits. I've tried API, NT, and Salifert to no avail; I'm guessing most of the time. As much as I'd like a Hanna HI97728, the $525 price doesn't fit the budget. I've seen a few anecdotal reports that the HI782 Marine Nitrate High Range Checker is viable in freshwater. Any firsthand experience?

I'm already using the Hanna PO4 Checker; for me, it's been a game-changer for readability.

 

[Pepere]

I use the API test. 10 and 20 ppm are pretty hard to discriminate between. 5 is easy, 40 is easy, halfway color between 40 and 20 is easy enough to guess at. Anything over 30 is getting a water change and really never happens in my tanks…

I find that doing a follow up test, diluting a sample of tank water 50% gives the ability to distinguish if an initial sample was closer to 10 ppm vs 20 ppm.

If the follow up dilution test still looks pretty close to original sample it is closer to 20 ppm. If follow up looks a lot closer to 5ppm the original sample is closer to 10 ppm.

I find for my needs being able to tell if it is 5ppm, 10 ppm 20 ppm or 30 is as close as I need

 

[Kwyet]

I’m using the Hanna marine nitrate checker, and have been for quite some time. Deanna on TPT did a lot of testing with it against prepared samples and said it was consistently accurate when adding the reagent to 17 ml of tank water and then filling the provided 10 ml vial from that to go into the checker. I’ve been just using the 10 ml vial and then dividing the results by 17 and multiplying by 10. I don’t know if my method is as accurate as hers, it just seemed reasonable and it’s just more convenient for me. I’m consistent with it, so it’s good for relative comparison anyway and at least as good as API while being easier to read.

 

[hamfist]

I have used the API ones forever. However, recently I am now wanting a little more accuracy. I was actually thinking of getting the Salifert one next. Online, the colours look much easier to tell in the 0-15 ppm range, which is where my tanks sit.

 

[Rob23]

I use the Salifert saltwater NO3 test kit. I dilute the tank water sample 1:1 with zero NO3 water and then multiply the results by two. I find it fairly easy to discern between the various colors on the provided card as long as I have adequate light.

 

[gnatster]

I’m using the Hanna marine nitrate checker, and have been for quite some time.

Thank you.

I've ordered a Hanna Instruments High Range Nitrate Checker HI782. Amazon has them for $10 less than Hanna Direct.

​

 

[Koan]

Deanna on TPT did a lot of testing with it against prepared samples and said it was consistently accurate when adding the reagent to 17 ml of tank water

Here's Deanna's evaluation

Nitrate Meter

Has anyone tried the Hanna nitrate meter in fresh water? I know it’s supposed to be for salt water only, but there are a few anecdotes out there that suggest the meter might work in fresh water. Here’s a quote from a review on Amazon for the high range tester. “I bought this not knowing it...

www.plantedtank.net

Just

1) draw up 17 mL of tank water in a 20ml syringe, then

2) shake it up with the reagent in a 20ml shaker vial as directed



then

3) add that solution to the Hanna 10ml colorimeter vial, and run the test

 

[gnatster]

Amazon was quick today. Received the Hanna kit and tested.

@Kwyet Methodology 10.5ppm
Deanna's Methodology 11.5
The Salifert Kit appears about 10ish; the results are biased. Knowing the results from the other methods gave me a better idea of the color range of the Salifert Kit.