How to measure nitrite in marine and freshwater aquariums with Hanna Checkers

an image of a betta fish in an aquarium
Published: 29 January 2025

Consistently measuring the nitrite levels within marine and freshwater fish tanks is key for maintaining the health of your fish. The HI-707 Low Range Nitrite Checker provides an easy, digital solution for the measurement of this parameter, with results displayed on an electronic screen. Read on to learn how to measure nitrite in your aquarium with a Hanna Checker:

Steps for measuring nitrite with a Hanna Checker

The HI-707 Checker is easy to use for the everyday and weekly measurement of water quality in marine and freshwater fish tanks. The results of testing are displayed clearly on the digital screen, providing peace of mind for accurate water dosing. 

Here’s how to measure nitrate with a Checker using the included reagents:

  • Press the button on the Checker, then fill the vial with a sample of aquarium water and place it in the tester
  • Press the button to ‘Zero’ the Checker before removing the vial
  • Add the contents of a single packet of reagent into the vial and shake gently for 15 seconds to dissolve before placing the vial back in the Checker
  • Press and hold the button to start the timer and wait for your results in ppb of NO2−N

To convert the measurement from the HI-707 Checker to nitrite ion concentration (NO-2), multiply the results by 3.29. To convert the NO2-N concentration to sodium nitrite (NaNO2) multiply the results by 4.93.

Why measure nitrite in fish tanks?

Nitrite is a normal part of the nitrogen cycle, a natural process that occurs in both marine and freshwater aquariums. When ammonia from waste is broken down by bacteria, such as through a biological filter, nitrite is produced. 

This toxic waste product is harmful to fish, binding with the haemoglobin in the bloodstream and reducing the oxygen that fish can access. Nitrite toxicity is also known as ‘brown blood disease’, as it changes the colour of the fish's blood due to the lack of oxygen. As nitrite can be so harmful, it’s important to carefully monitor this parameter in aquariums to resolve build-up as quickly as possible.

Hanna’s digital Checkers provide a reliable and accurate way to measure nitrite from 0.0, offering peace of mind that there is no toxic build-up within your aquarium water. Electronic testing makes daily and weekly water monitoring easy and efficient.

Why use a digital tester for aquariums?

Choosing to use digital testers like Hanna Checkers for measuring aquarium water is an ideal option for accurate, reliable results. While some fishkeepers may choose test strips vs digital testers due to cost, an electronic water tester doesn’t require the personal perception of results from a colour range. This reduces costly mistakes from under or overdosing the water, providing the ideal environment for your plants, fish and corals.

Digital Checkers remove the need for guesswork when testing your aquarium water. You have peace of mind with digital results, enabling you to balance the water quality in your fish tank effectively to reduce the risk of nitrite toxicity.

Buy Hanna Checkers online now

Hanna’s comprehensive range of electronic Checkers is available online with free next-day delivery. Our wide selection of testers covers all key aquarium parameters, including marine magnesium, ammonia and alkalinity dKH.

Buy Hanna aquarium Checkers online now.

a spread of a range of Hanna Checkers for measuring water in aquariums

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