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Aquarium nitrogen testing kit protocols (AQI test kit)

Written by Noah Ozguner and Madeliene Baird 20250401.

This protocol is written based on the manufacturer's instructions.

Test kit was ordered here

Standard Operating Protocol (SOP)

After testing, do not pour contents back into the tank. Make sure to rinse test tubes after use.

pH (kit minimum 7.4, maximum 8.8)

  • Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water
  • Add 5 drops of High range pH Test Solution
  • Cap the test tube and invert it multiple times to mix the solution
  • Read results by comparing the color of the solution to the provided pH color chart (in a relatively well lit area). The closest color match indicates the pH value of the water sample.
  • Thoroughly wash test tube after use

Ammonia (ppm or mg/L) [two bottles]

  • Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water
  • Add 8 drops of Ammonia Test Solution 1
  • Add 8 drops of Ammonia Test Solution 2
  • Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 5 seconds
  • Wait 5 minutes for color to develop
  • Read results by comparing the color of the solution to the provided Ammonia color chart. (in a relatively well lit area). The closest color match indicates the Ammonia value of the water sample.
  • Thoroughly wash test tube after use

Nitrite (ppm or mg/L)

  • Fill a clean test tube with 5mL of water
  • Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution
  • Cap the test tube and shake for 5 seconds
  • Wait 5 minutes for color to develop
  • Compare the color of the solution to the Nitrite Color Chart in a well lit area. The closest match will indicate the ppm (mg/L) of the nitrite in the sample
  • Thoroughly wash test tube after use

Nitrate (ppm or mg/L) [two bottles]

  • Fill a clean test tube with 5mL of water
  • Add 10 drops of Nitrate Test Solution #1
  • Cap the test tube and invert several times to mix the solution
  • Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution #2 for at least 30 seconds
  • Add 10 drops of Nitrate Test Solution #2
  • Cap the test tube and shake vigorously for 1 minute
  • Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop
  • Compare the color of the solution to the Nitrate Color Chart in a well lit area. The closest match will indicate the ppm (mg/L) of the nitrite in the sample
  • Thoroughly wash test tube after use

Reference values

Ammonia (NH3): Ammonia is highly toxic to fish and should always be 0 ppm.

Nitrite (NO2): Nitrite is also toxic and should be 0 ppm.

Nitrate (NO3): While less toxic than ammonia and nitrite, nitrate can still be harmful to fish and corals at high levels. Aim to keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm, and ideally between 0-5 ppm.