Titration style nitrate/nitrite test kits?

[moonlitsomernite]

I am cycling/curing live rock in my tank and am currently using API to test for pH, nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia.

 

I don't mind comparing the colors to get pH, but the rest are annoying me... especially when the range for nitrites only goes up to 5 and the high range of the nitrates goes from 80 to160. I could dilute the tank water with RO water to get a more accurate reading (compare the color using half/half and multiply the result by 2), but that's a hassle. I'm sure it won't be as big of a deal when the tank is settled and levels will close to zero, but right now it's frustrating me.

 

So... are there titration style (count the drops until color change, multiply by x factor) test kits for nitrite/nitrate?

[AZDesertRat]

Salifert, Elos, Lamotte and Hach are all good drop count or titration kits.

[lakshwadeep]

Are your tests for saltwater use or freshwater? There are different color cards for most of the tests. Note that it really doesn't matter if the nitrates are 80 or 160; both are really high. Likewise, nitrites should always be zero when the tank is finally cycled, so there is no point in measuring very high concentrations.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Downloads.html

 

I'm not sure there are any nitrate/nitrite titrimetric tests, but the brands azdesertrat mentioned have for the most part tried to create better color distinctions.

[AZDesertRat]

All those I mentioned are added by drops, you add until the color of the liquid changes then calculate the amount of reagent used and compare that number to a chart not like others that use a color chart for comparisons.

[lakshwadeep]

All those I mentioned are added by drops, you add until the color of the liquid changes then calculate the amount of reagent used and compare that number to a chart not like others that use a color chart for comparisons.

 

Are you sure? The descriptions don't describe adding drops based only on a color change.

 

Here are some relevant quotes to the elos/salifert descriptions:

 

ELOS AquaTest NO3, as well as all the other colorimetric test kit of this line...

http://www.saltycritter.com/test-kits/elos-test-kits.htm

 

 

Salifert Nitrate Test Kit Information...

 

Procedure for both ranges:

 

1. Fill test vial with 1mL of water.

 

2. Add 1 level scoop of NO3-1 powder (compress this powder against the inner side of the powder container).

 

3. Add 1 level scoop of NO3-2 powder and swirl gently (do NOT shake) for 30 seconds.

 

4. Let it stand for 3 minutes.

 

5. Color comparison...

http://www.marinedepot.com/Salifert_Nitrat...ITKNA-1-vi.html

 

LaMotte

NITRATE TEST KIT MODEL NCR • CODE 3110...

 

The Octet Comparator contains eight permanent color standards. A test sample is inserted into the openings in the top of the comparator. The sample can then be compared to four color standards at once, and the value read off the comparator.

http://www.lamotte.com/pages/common/pdf/instruct/3110.pdf

 

Saltwater master test kit HACH...

NITRATE TEST-LOW RANGE..

 

4. Match the color of the sample to the closest color in the cube...

http://www.hach.com/fmmimghach?/CODE%3A2068689790%7C1

[amnestia]

Salifert is not a titration type kit, it's a wait and match the color type of deal. They are accurate enough to give you a "range" which is all you really need, anything above 10ppm should be dealt with. The lower the better, if you're running a softy tank you'll have more leeway though.

[Captain Billy]

The salifert NO3 test kit is different from the other tests they make. You add two powders and get a color change, or hopefully not.

 

I find that brand to be more than accurate enough for my needs.

[AZDesertRat]

You know, you're right. I pulled mine out and checked it. It seems like most of the other Salifert kits I own are titration or mL count and not color comparison, I had forgotten about Nitrate though. I rarely check nitrates anymore since my system is 6+ years old. I'm used to the Salifert Calcium, Alkalinity, Phosphate an Magnesium kits.