Description

Salifert is a Dutch company that specializes in both fresh and saltwater test kits.  They are one of the oldest manufacturers of salt water test kits and have been trusted by hobbyists for years.  When cycling a new reef tank, or any aquarium for that matter, it is important for hobbyists to be aware of the levels of three key compounds: Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

In the final stage of the nitrogen cycle, the toxic nitrite is consumed and the result of this process is the far less toxic nitrate.  While levels of ammonia and nitrite must be zero before adding livestock, nitrate is always present in home aquariums in some amount and some level of nitrate is actually necessary for coral growth.  The key is ensuring that levels do not become too high, which can lead to nuisance algae growth and negatively impact coral health.  While ammonia and nitrite levels are not generally checked regularly once a tank has cycled, it is a good idea to periodically check nitrate levels to avoid issues before they become a problem.

The Salifert Nitrate Test Kit is an excellent option both for the initial cycling process and also long term maintenance.  This simple test kit includes: A 2 mL syringe, reagent measuring spoon, enough reagents to perform 60 tests and a testing container with a tight fitting lid.  Also included are easy to follow instructions and a colour chart for interpreting the test results.  This test can easily be performed as part of a regular maintenance schedule or as needed to identify potential causes of problems.

One of the best investments that a reefer can make is the purchase of a set of high quality test kits, such as those made by Salifert.  By staying on top of water parameters, hobbyists can identify issues long before they become major problems.