1. Clean glassware is a must for accurate results.
Thoroughly rinse test tubes before and after
each test. Caps and stoppers should also be
cleaned after each use.
2. Use test tube caps, not your fi ngers, to cover test
tubes and fl asks during shaking or mixing.
3. When adding sample to calibrated test tube, be
sure vial is fi lled to the appropriate mark. The
bottom of the liquid (meniscus) should be level
with the desired mark. (Fig. 1)
4. When dispensing reagents from bottles fi lled
with dropper plug and cap, be sure to hold
bottle vertically and gently squeeze to dispense
the appropriate number of uniform drops.
(Fig. 2)
5. For those reagents to be added with the screwcap
pipet assemblies
on bottle and replace with the screwcap pipet.
NOTE: Place the polyseal caps back on the
reagent bottles for longer periods of storage. Be
sure that both pipet assemblies and polyseal caps
are thoroughly cleaned before placing on bottles
to avoid contamination.
6. When dispensing reagents from pipets, hold
pipet vertically to assure uniform drop size. This
is extremely important when performing drop
count titrations. (Fig. 3)
7. To fi ll pipets, squeeze rubber bulb and immerse
into reagent. Release bulb to fi ll. (Fig. 4)
8. To accurately dispense powdered reagents with
spoon, tap spoon on edge of reagent container
to remove excess reagent. (Fig. 5)
9. When performing tests that use the Octa-Slide 2
Comparator, the comparator should be positioned
between the operator and non-direct sunlight.
This allows the light to enter through the lightdiff using screen at the back of the comparator for
optimum
Read the labels on
all reagent
Note warnings and
fi rst aid information.
Reagents marked
with a * on instructions
are considered possible
health hazards.
bottles.
Safety
Data
Sheet
Read all instructions and note
precautions before performing
the test procedure.
Read all Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) at
Instruction
Manual
Keep all
equipment
and reagent
chemicals
out of the
reach of
young children.
Avoid contact between reagent
chemicals and skin, eyes, nose,
and mouth.
*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be
potential health hazards.
6
Wear safety glasses when
performing test procedures.
This test kit uses two basic analytical procedures common to fi eld test kits. A brief
explanation of each follows:
COLORIMETRIC: OCTA-SLIDE 2 VIEWER
In a visual colorimetric test, a sample is treated with reagent(s) to produce a color
reaction, generally in proportion to the amount of test factor present. The sample color
is then compared against color standards representing known concentrations of the
factor being tested over a specifi c range.
1
Insert OctaSlide 2
Bar
into the OctaSlide 2
Viewer
(1101).
2
Insert test
tube containing
reacted sample
into the OctaSlide 2
Viewer
(1101).
3
Hold the
Octa-Slide 2
Viewer so that
non-direct light
enters through
the back of the
viewer.
4
Match sample
color to color
standard.
Record results.
The calibrated test tubes (0106) included in this kit may be used to perform dilutions
for the Ammonia Nitrogen, Iron, Nitrate-Nitrogen and Nitrite Nitrogen tests. Distilled
or deionized water is needed to perform dilutions.
The following table provides a quick reference guide for dilutions of various proportions.
Once the dilution is prepared, use this diluted sample to perform the test, and multiply
the result by the dilution factor to obtain the actual concentration.
NOTE: If sample color is between two
standards, the midpoint is taken as the result.
If the sample is darker than the highest standard,
a dilution may be performed on a fresh sample,
and the test repeated to bring the concentration
within range.
In a titrimetric method, titrating solution (or titrant) is added to a treated sample
until a color change occurs. The volume of titrant required to reach this endpoint is
proportional to the concentration of the factor being tested. Direct Reading Titrators
provide results directly in the appropriate concentration for the test - no counting of
drops, no calculations.
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
PlungerBarrelAdapter Tip
The Titrator consists of a plastic barrel, a plastic plunger, and a plastic adapter tip. The
adapter tip reduces the size of the drops that are dispensed, increasing the precision of
the test results. DO NOT remove the plunger or adapter tip from the Titrator.
1
Fill the test
tube to the
appropriate
line with
sample water.
4
To fi ll Titrator, slowly
withdraw the plunger
until the bottom of the
plunger is
opposite
the zero
mark on
the scale.
6
Insert the Titrator
into the center hole
of the test tube
cap. While gently
swirling tube, add
titrating solution
one drop at a time
until the desired
color changes occur.
Follow individual
test instructions.
2
Add reagents
as specifi ed
in the instructions
for the individual
test method. Cap
with the special test
tube cap. Mix by
swirling gently.
NOTE:
appear in
If small air bubbles
the barrel, expel
them by partially fi lling
the barrel and pumping
the titration solution back
into the reagent container.
Repeat until bubble
disappears.
7
Read the test
result directly
from the scale
where the large
ring on the Titrator
meets the Titrator barrel.
3
Depress the
Titrator plunger
to expel air. Insert
Titrator into the
plastic fi tting of
the titrating
solution bottle
and invert.
5
Turn the bottle
right-side-up
and remove the
Titrator.
8
When testing is
complete, discard
titrating solution in
Titrator. Do not return
the titrant to the
reagent bottle. Rinse
Titrator and titration
tube thoroughly. Do
not remove the plunger
or the adapter tip from
the Titrator.
Proper control of water quality is an essential part of successful aquaponics operation.
Immediate test results provided by on-site water analysis equipment can confi rm a healthy
environment, or give early warning signals for required treatment.
1. Develop a routine testing schedule.
2. Keep records! Historical data is extremely important if treatments are required. Note
environmental conditions, fi sh activity, feeding habits, etc.
3. Observe fi sh to note any particular behavior or feeding rates, as this may be a sign
of stress.
4. Observe plants for signs of distress.
5. Stable characteristics, such as alkalinity, do not have to be tested as
ones that fl uctuate, such as ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, pH,
dissolved oxygen and temperature. Keep in mind that these factors fl uctuate throughout
the day and in some cases are interdependent.
6. Be alert to sudden changes in one factor, as it may be a clue to perform further analysis.
frequently as
1 part per million (ppm) = 1 milligram per liter (mg/L)
Ammonia in water occurs in two forms: toxic unionized ammonia (NH3) and the
relatively non-toxic form, ammonium ion (NH
+
). This test method measures both
4
forms as ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) to give the total ammonia-nitrogen concentration
in water. The actual proportion of each compound depends on temperature, alkalinity,
and pH. A greater concentration of unionized ammonia is present when the pH value
and salinity increase.
1. Consult the table below to fi nd the percentage that corresponds to the temperature,
pH and salinity of the sample.
2. To express the test result as ppm Unionized Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N), multiply
the total ammonia-nitrogen test result by the percentage from the table.
3. To express the test result as ppm Ionized Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4-N), subtract the
unionized ammonia nitrogen, determined in Step 2, from the total ammonia-nitrogen.
Percentage of Free Ammonia as (NH3) in Freshwater1 (FW)
and Seawater2 (SW) at varying pH and temperature.
10°C15°C20°C25°C
pHFW1SW2FWSWFWSWFWSW
7.00.190.270.400.55
7.10.230.340.500.70
7.20.290.430.630.88
7.30.370.540.791.10
7.40.470.680.991.38
7.50.590.4590.850.6651.240.9631.731.39
7.60.740.5771.070.8361.561.212.171.75
7.70.920.7261.351.051.961.522.722.19
7.81.160.9121.691.322.451.903.392.74
7.91.461.152.121.663.062.394.243.43
8.01.831.442.652.073.832.985.284.28
8.12.291.803.322.604.773.736.555.32
8.22.862.264.143.255.944.658.116.61
8.33.582.835.164.067.365.7810.008.18
8.44.463.546.415.059.097.1712.2710.10
8.55.554.417.986.2811.188.8714.9712.40
1
Freshwater data from Trussel (1972).
2
Seawater values from Bower and Bidwell (1978). Salinity for Seawater values = 34 ppt at an
ionic strength of 0.701 m.
FOR EXAMPLE:
A fresh water sample at 20°C has a pH of 8.5 and the test result is 1.0 ppm as total
Ammonia-Nitrogen.
1. The percentage from the table is 11.18% (or 0.1118).
2. 1 ppm total Ammonia-Nitrogen x 0.1118 = 0.1118 ppm Unionized Ammonia-Nitrogen
*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health hazards. See page 6 for futher
details.
NITRATE NITROGEN TEST PROCEDURE
1
4
7
Insert NitrateNitrogen
Slide 2 Bar
(3494-01) into
the Octa-Slide
2 Viewer (1101)
Cap and mix
until tablet
disintegrates.
Wait 5 minutes.
Remove the tube
from the protective
sleeve.**
Octa-
Fill a test tube
(0106) to the
5 mL line with
sample water.
Add one *Nitrate
#2 CTA
(NN-3703A).
Immediately slide
the test tube into
the Protective
Sleeve (0106-FP).
Tablet
Insert test tube
into Octa-Slide 2
Viewer (1101)
32
Add one
Nitrate
#1 Tablet
(2799A).
65
98
Cap and mix
for two minutes
to disintegrate
the tablet.
Match sample color
to a
color standard.
Record as
ppm Nitrate
Nitrogen.
05:00
NOTE: To convert to Nitrate, multiply results by 4.4. Record as ppm Nitrate.
** Nitrate #2 CTA Tablets (NN-3707) are sensitive to UV light. The Protective
Sleeve (0106-FP) will protect the reaction from UV light. If testing indoors,
there is no need to use the Protective Sleeve in this procedure.
BCG/MR Indicator Tablets2311A-H
*Alkalinity Titration Reagent B*4493DR-H
Test Tube, 5-10-12.9-15-20-25 mL, glass, w/cap 0608
Direct Reading Titrator, 0-200 Range 0382
Alkalinity Endpoint Color Chart4491-CC
*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health hazards. See page 6 for futher
details.
The Direct Reading Titrator is calibrated in terms of total alkalinity expressed as parts
per million (ppm) Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Each minor division on the Titrator
scale equals 4 ppm CaCO3.
ALKALINITY TEST PROCEDURE
1
Fill the test
tube (0608)
to the 5 mL
line with the
sample water.
4
Fill Direct Reading
Titrator (0382)
with *Alkalinity
Titration Reagent
B (4493DR).
7
Read the test result
directly from the
scale where the large
ring on the Titrator
meets the Titrator barrel.
Record Total Alkalinity as ppm
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO
3
2
Add 1 BCG-MR
Indicator Tablet
(2311A).
5
Insert the
Titrator into
the center
hole of the
test tube cap.
8
).
3
Cap and swirl
until tablet
dissolves.
Solution will
turn blue-green.
6
NOTE: If the plunger tip reaches the
bottom line on the scale (200 ppm)
before the endpoint color change
occurs, refi ll the Titrator and continue
the titration.
When recording the test result, be
sure to include the value of the
original amount of reagent dispensed
(200 ppm).
While gently
the tube,
the plunger to titrate
until blue-green color
changes to purple.
Consult
Endpoint
(4491-CC).
*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health hazards. See page 6 for futher
details.
The Titrator is calibrated in terms of Dissolved Oxygen expressed as ppm Dissolved
Oxygen. Each minor division on the Titrator scale equals 0.2 ppm Dissolved Oxygen.
NOTE: Be careful not to introduce air into the sample while adding the reagents.
1
12
Remove the
cap from the
bottle.
3
3
Cap the bottle and mix by
inverting several times.
A precipitate will form.
5
56
Add 8 drops of
*Sulfuric Acid, 1:1
(6141WT).
2
Immediately add 8
drops of *Manganous
Sulfate Solution (4167)
and add 8 drops of
*Alkaline Potassium
Iodide Azide (7166).
4
4
Allow the precipitate
to settle below the
shoulder of the bottle.
6
Cap and gently invert the bottle
to mix the contents until the
precipitate and the reagent have
totally dissolved. The solution
will be clear
yellow to
orange if the
sample contains
dissolved oxygen.
NOTE: At this point the sample has been “fi xed” and contact between the
sample and the atmosphere will not aff ect the test result. Samples may be
held at this point and titrated later.
Fill the titration tube
(0608) to the 20 mL line
with the fi xed sample.
Cap the tube.
3
3
0
.
1
0
0
.
2
.
3
0
0
.
4
5
0
Insert the Titrator into
the plug in the top of the
*Sodium Thiosulfate,
.
0
.
6
.
7
0
8
0
.
.
9
0
0
1
.
0.025N (4169) titrating
solution.
2
0
0
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
Depress plunger of
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
the Titrator (0377).
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.7
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.0
4
4
Invert the bottle and
slowly withdraw the
plunger until the large
ring on the plunger is
opposite the zero (0)
line on the scale.
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
NOTE: If small air bubbles appear in the titrator barrel, expel them by
partially fi lling the barrel and pumping the titration solution back into the
reagent container. Repeat until bubble disappears.
Insert the tip of the Titrator
into the opening of the
titration tube cap.
7
Slowly depress the
plunger to dispense the
titrating solution until
the yellow-brown color
changes to a very pale
yellow. Gently swirl the
tube during the titration
to mix the contents.
8
89
Carefully remove the
Titrator and cap. Do
not disturb the Titrator
plunger.
10
Cap the titration tube.
Insert the tip of the
Titrator into the opening
of the titration tube cap.
12
12
Read the test result directly from the scale
where the large ring on the Titrator meets
the Titrator barrel. Record as ppm Dissolved
Oxygen. Each minor division on the Titrator
scale equals 0.2 ppm.
9
Add 8 drops of Starch
Indicator Solution
(4170WT). The sample
should turn blue.
Continue titrating until the blue
1110
11
color disappears and the solution
becomes colorless.
NOTE: If the plunger ring
reaches the bottom line on
the scale (10 ppm) before the
endpoint color change occurs,
refi ll the Titrator and continue
the titration. Include the value
of the original
reagent dispensed
when recording the test result.
amount of
(10 ppm)
NOTE: When testing is complete, discard the
titrating solution in the Titrator. Rinse Titrator
and titration tube thoroughly. DO NOT remove
plunger or adapter tip.