LaMotte AG-103 User Manual

FRESH WATER

AQUARIUM

MODEL AG-103 • CODE 3637

COMBINATION OUTFIT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Alkalinity............................................................................................... 3

Ammonia Nitrogen .............................................................................. 4

Dissolved Oxygen.................................................................................. 7

Hardness .............................................................................................. 11

Nitrite .................................................................................................. 14

pH........................................................................................................ 15

Kit Case Layout.................................................................................. 8-9

This booklet provides step-by-step instructions for each of the tests provided in the AG-104 test kit. Please refer to the separate sheets for proper use of the Direct Reading Titrator and Axial Reader Comparator where noted.

USE OF THE OCTET COM PARA TOR

The Octet Comparator contains eight permanent color standards. A test sample is inserted into the openings in the top of the comparator. The sample can then be compared to four color standards at once, and the value read off the comparator. For optimum color comparison, the comparator should be positioned between the operator and a light source, so that the light enters through the special light-diffusing screen in the back of the comparator. Avoid viewing the comparator against direct sunlight or an irregularly lighted background.

ALKALINITY

QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE

100 BCG-MR Indicator Tablets T-2311-J 60 mL *Alkalinity Titration Reagent B *4493DR-

H 1 Test Tube, 5-10-15 mL, glass, w/cap 0778 1 Direct Reading Titrator, 0-200 Range 0382

*WARNING: Reagents marked with a * are considered hazardous substances. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are supplied for these reagents. For your safety read label and accompanying MSDS before using.

NOTE: Read Direct Reading Titrator Manual before performing test.

PRO CE DURE

1. Fill the test tube (0778) to 5 mL line with sample water.

2. Add one BCG-MR Indicator Tablet (T-2311). Cap and shake until

dissolved. A blue-green color will develop.

3. Fill the Direct Reading Titrator (0382) with *Alkalinity Titration

Reagent B (4493DR). Insert Titrator into the center hole of the test tube cap.

4. While gently swirling the tube, slowly depress plunger to titrate until the

blue-green color changes to pink. Read the test result where the plunger meets the titrator scale. Record results as Total Alkalinity in ppm (CaCO3).

NOTE: Each minor division on Titrator scale = 4 ppm Total Alkalinity as CaCO3.

EXAMPLE: Plunger tip is 3 minor divisions below line 140. The test result is 140 plus (3 divisions x 4) equals 152 ppm.

5. If the plunger reaches the bottom line on the titrator scale (200 ppm)

before the endpoint color change occurs, refill the titrator and continue titration. When recording the test result, be sure to include the value of the original amount of reagent dispensed (200 ppm).

When testing salt water aquariums, alkalinity may be called carbonate hardness. Multiply ppm Alkalinity by 0.056 to convert to German degrees of Hardness.

This test set provides Total Alkalinity readings only. For comprehensive analysis of Phenolphthalein (P), Total (T), Hydroxide, Carbonate, and Bicarbonate Alkalinity the Model WAT-MP-DR Test Set, Code 4533-DR is recommended.

AMMONIA NITROGEN

LOW RANGE

QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE

30 mL Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #1 4797WT-G 60 mL *Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #2 *4798PS-H 1 Pipet, 1.0 mL, plastic 0354 3 Test Tubes, 10 mL, glass, w/cap 0843 1 Distilled Water Ampoule, 5 mL 2748 1 Axial Reader 2071 1 Ammonia Nitrogen Comparator,

0.02-1.0 ppm

*WARNING: Reagents marked with a * are considered hazardous substances. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are supplied for these reagents. For your safety, read label and accompanying MSDS before using.

NOTES: A. To compensate for color produced by the reagents, a blank should be run

on deionized or distilled water. Any reading obtained should be subtracted from the test result.

B. Certain aquarium treatment chemicals interfere with this Nesslerization

method. Some ketones, aldehydes, alcohol and amines cause interferences. Check treatment chemical label for contents and warning.

C. Read the Axial Reader Instruction Manual before performing test.

7593

PRO CE DURE

1. Fill a test tube (0843) to the 10 mL line with sample water.

2. Add 8 drops of Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #1 (4797WT). Cap and

swirl to mix. Wait one minute before proceeding to next step. NOTE: When testing salt (sea) water, increase the amount of this

reagent to 20 drops to avoid a precipitate which may form.

3. Use pipet (0354) to add 1 mL of Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #2

(4798PS). Cap and mix. Wait five minutes for color development. Remove cap.

4. Remove cap and insert tube into the Axial Reader Comparator (2071).

Follow the Axial Reader instructions to compare the sample color with the color standards. Record result as ppm Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH3-N).

To express results as Unionized Ammonia (NH3):

Unionized Ammonia (NH3) =

ppm Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) x 1.2

To express results as Ionized Ammonia (NH

Ionized Ammonia (NH

ppm Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) x 1.3

) =

NOTE: If the color of the test sample is darker than the highest color

standard, repeat the test on a sample diluted 1 to 1 with ammonia free distilled water. Multiply this reading by a factor of 2 to compensate for the dilution. Read results in ppm Ammonia Nitrogen.

For the most accurate results, repeat steps 1-4 on a blank of deionized water and subtract any reading obtained from the test result.

Ammonia in water occurs in two forms: toxic unionized ammonia (NH3) and the relatively non-toxic form, ammonium ion (NH method measures both forms as ammonia-nitrogen (NH total ammonia-nitrogen concentration in water. The actual proportion of

). This test

-N) to give the

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 on Page 6 to find 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 Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4-N), subtract

the unionized ammonia nitrogen from the total ammonia-nitrogen.

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