How to measure nitrite in saltwater aquariums with Hanna Checkers

Accurately measuring the nitrite levels within your reef or marine aquarium is key to maintaining a water quality that is healthy for your fish. The HI-767 Low Range Nitrite Checker is a compact digital solution for the measurement of marine nitrite, with results displayed on a clear LCD screen. Read on to learn how to measure nitrite in your saltwater aquarium with a Hanna Checker:

Steps for measuring nitrite with a Hanna Checker

The HI-767 digital tester is quick and easy to use for daily and weekly testing as required. The results of your test are displayed on the screen in ppb, providing the information you need to correctly dose your water and protect your fish. 

1. Here’s how to measure nitrate with a Checker using the included reagents:
2. Press the button on the Checker, then fill the vial with a sample of aquarium water and place it in the tester
3. Press the button to ‘Zero’ the Checker before removing the vial
4. 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
5. 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-767 Checker to nitrite ion concentration (NO_-2), multiply the results by 3.29.

Why measure marine nitrite in fish tanks?

Nitrite is a part of the nitrogen cycle, a normal process that occurs in all fish tanks. As ammonia from waste, such as faeces and plant matter, is broken down by bacteria from a biological filter, nitrite is produced within the aquarium water.

Nitrite is toxic to fish, even in small amounts. This toxicity is referred to as ‘brown blood disease’, as the colour of the fish’s blood changes due to a lack of access to oxygen from nitrite binding with the haemoglobin in the bloodstream. As nitrite can quickly become harmful, it’s important to keep track of this parameter with regular water checks.

Hanna’s range of digital Checkers provides peace of mind when measuring the water in your aquarium. The HI-767 starts from 0 ppb and increases up to 999 ppb, providing clear and accurate feedback in numbers to allow you to dose your water with precision.

Why use a digital tester for aquariums?

Choosing an electronic tester like a Checker is an ideal solution for the accurate and reliable measurement of vital parameters in your aquarium. While you may be considering which is best between test strips vs digital testing, an electronic tester is the most accurate option and doesn’t require guesswork using a colour wheel or chat to identify the level of individual parameters in your aquarium water.

Test strips may seem more cost-effective, but you may over or underdose the water due to incorrect determination of your results. Hanna Checkers provide the results of testing clearly on the screen, delivering the exact information you need to keep your aquarium in good health.

Shop the Hanna Checkers range

Hanna has a full range of accurate digital testers for marine aquariums available online, with free next-day delivery for all in-stock Checkers. Our tester range features all the essential parameters for fishkeeping, including alkalinity, ammonia and magnesium.

Buy Hanna aquarium Checkers online today.