JBL TESTLAB Bedienungsanleitung Seite 21

Nitrite (NO ):
2
Special features:
The JBL Nitrite Test Set NO 2 is designed for the measurement and routine control of the nitrite
content in freshwater and marine aquariums as well as in garden ponds within the range 0.025-1.0
mg/litre (ppm). Using the compensation method specially developed by JBL, precise and reliable
results can be obtained even in moderately discoloured aquarium water, e.g. caused by peat filters
and disease treatment.
Why test?
The following applies to freshwater and saltwater as well as to garden ponds:
The process involved in the breakdown or the mineralization of organic matter in the aquarium (feed
and plant debris, fish excretions) follows the stages proteins - ammonium - nitrite - nitrate.
Certain bacteria are responsible for this process. Measuring the intermediate stages ammonium,
nitrite and nitrate allows certain conclusions to be made about the function of the "Aquarium sys-
tem". Normally, ammonium and nitrite should not be allowed to enrich above concentrations of 0.2
mg/litre (ppm). If they do, the bacteria balance may be disturbed. Many of the mediations used
to treat fish diseases can damage beneficial cleansing bacteria, leading to an increase in nitrite
levels. As a rule, nitrite is not found in measurable amounts in a well-maintained aquarium with an
efficient biological filter or in a correctly planted garden pond. Like ammonia, nitrite is highly toxic
to fish; depending on sensitivity, concentrations between 0.5 and 1 mg/litre (ppm) may be lethal.
In general, marine fish and young fish tend to be more sensitive than adult fish.
Remedy:
Short-term measure: change about 50 % of the aquarium water.
Long-term measure: : Addition of cleansing bacteria with JBL Denitrol and JBL FilterStart. Use
a suitable biological filter. Reduce feed, reduce stock density of fish, if necessary; pH 7-7.5 in
freshwater, 7.9 – 8.5 in saltwater.
Garden pond: addition of cleansing bacteria with JBL BactoPond and JBL ActivoPond. If not already
in use, install an efficient pond filter. If necessary, review general design concept of pond: is there
sufficient ground area, marshy area etc...?
Instructions:
1. Repeatedly rinse both test jars with the aquarium water to be tested.
2. Use the enclosed syringe to fill each of the test jars with 5 ml of sample water.
3. Add 5 drops of reagent 1 followed by 5 drops of reagent 2 to one of the jars, mix by agitating
after each addition of the reagents. Allow to settle until the colouring develops fully (approx. 3
minutes).
4. Place both test jars into the comparator block: the jar with added reagent into the smooth end
of the comparator block, the jar with the untreated test water (blank sample) into the notched
end of the comparator block.
5. Move the comparator block together with the jars from side to side over the colour chart, with
the notched side of the block facing the scale, until the colour of the sample with added reagent
matches the colour of the blank sample.
6. Read the nitrite content in the notch of the comparator.
See the JBL brochure "What, Why, How" No. 2 or brochure No. 8 on garden ponds for more details
on the significance of the nitrogen system (ammonium-nitrite-nitrate).
Warning and safety notices with respect to reagent 1:
Contains acetic acid < 20 %
Warning notices
Irritating to eyes and skin
UK