Aquarium Nitrate Testing Equipment: Hanna Nitrate Photometer

*	Employ laboratory-grade electronic tester for the most accurate nitrate level readings

*	Accurately test nitrate levels to ensure aquarium water quality

*	Tabletop photometer displays nitrate results on large LCD screen

Easy-to-use electronic nitrate tester for professional results. Hanna Nitrate Photometer lets you measure aquarium nitrate levels with professional results. Portable microprocessor meter boasts advanced optical system featuring a special Tungsten lamp and a narrow band interference filter. In other words, you enjoy accurate and reliable readings necessary to maintain ideal aquarium water quality.

Nitrate Photometer arrives factory calibrated. CAL CHECK validation feature allows convenient diagnostic check to ensure proper operation. Unit can also be calibrated by the user when necessary. Exclusive positive-locking system secures cuvettes in place to prevent user error and inaccurate results. Automatic shutoff feature conserves battery life. Large, easy-to-read LCD. Nitrate Photometer measures nitrate (as nitrogen) between the range of 0 to 30.0 mg/L (ppm). For freshwater applications only.

Includes: Sample Cuvettes with Caps (2), 9V Battery and Instruction Manual.

Nitrate Reagent (sold separately) are precisely measured, single-use packets for use with 10 ml cuvettes. Contains 100 packets.

Downloadable Hanna Nitrate Photometer Manual PDF.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

Please click on "More Information" for specifications, startup, and procedure overview.

Specifications
Range	0.00 to 30.0 mg/L
Resolution	0.01 mg/L
Accuracy	±0.05 mg/L ± 10% of reading @ 25°C
Typical EMC Deviation	±0.01 mg/L
Light Source	Tungsten lamp.
Light Detector	Silicon Photocell with narrow band interference filter @ 525 nm.
Method	Adaptation of the cadmium reduction method. The reaction between nitrate-nitrogen and the reagent causes an amber tint in the sample.
Battery Type	9 volt.
Auto-Shut off	After 10 minutes of non-use in measurement mode; after 1 hour of non-use in calibration mode; with last reading reminder.
Dimensions	192 x 104 x 69 mm (7.6 x 4.1 x 2.7")
Weight	360 g (12.7 oz.)

Startup

Prepare the instrument for measurement as follows:

Unpack the instrument by removing the dust protection sleeve from the instrument cuvette holder.
Place the battery in the instrument as described in the "BATTERY REPLACEMENT" chapter.
Place the instrument on a flat table.
Do not place the instrument under direct sun light.

Measurement Procedure
To compensate the meter for the sample turbidity or color, the measurement takes place in two phases. First, the meter is zeroed using the unreacted sample. After the reagents are added, the reacted sample is measured.

Turn the meter on by pressing ON/OFF. The display briefly shows all tags "ON."
When the beeper sounds briefly and the LCD display dashes, the meter is ready. The blinking "ZERO" indicates that the instrument needs to be zeroed first.
Fill one cuvette with 10 mL of unreacted sample, up to the mark.
Place the cuvette into the cuvette holder and ensure that the notch on the cap is positioned securely into the groove.
Press ZERO/CFM and the lamp, cuvette and detector icons will appear on the display, depending on the measurement phase.
After a few seconds, the display will show "-0.0-." The meter is now zeroed and ready for measurement. Remove the cuvette.
Add one packet of the HI 93728-0 reagent.
Replace the cap and immediately shake vigorously for exactly 10 seconds by moving the cuvette up and down. Continue to mix by inverting the cuvette gently and slowly for 50 seconds, while taking care not to induce air bubbles. A deposit could remain but it does not affect the measurement. Time and method of shaking could affect the measurement.
Replace the cuvette into the holder and ensure that the notch on the cap is positioned securely into the groove.
Press and hold READ/>/TIMER for three seconds. The display will show the countdown prior to measurement. An audible "beep" indicates the end of the countdown period.
Alternatively, wait for 3 minutes then just press READ/ /TIMER. In all cases, the lamp, cuvette and detector icons will appear on the display, depending on the measurement phase.
At the end of measurement, the instrument directly displays concentration in mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen on the LCD.
To convert the reading to mg/L of nitrate (NO3-), multiply by the factor 4.43.

The Importance of Regular Testing

As a fish hobbyist, it is imperative that you have an understanding of the water parameters that affect fish health, as well as the importance of water testing. Water testing cues you to what's happening in the system at any given time.

Marine pH Factor

Often overlooked, pH may well be one of the most critical parameters in a healthy system. Maintaining the right pH range - 8.3-8.5 in marine systems - has a natural antiseptic effect, helping fish resist illness and coral calcify faster.

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