Instant Ocean Ocean Master Test Kit

In addition to nitrate, aquarium nitrification (conditioning) also produces acid. The acid depletes buffers and results in steadily decreasing pH levels. If uncorrected, pH levels will fall below the "safe" range of 8.0 to 8.4. The OceanMaster Test Kit monitor pH levels, helping you to maintain an ideal level of 8.1 to 8.3.

Directions for use:

1. Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
2. Empty one foil test packet into test chamber.
3. Cap and shake until dissolved.
4. Compare prepared sample to pH color chip (purple).
5. Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.

Ammonia Test
Range: 0 to 0.8 milligrams/liter Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH₃-N)
Use: When establishing a new aquarium, adding more fish to a conditioned aquarium, or medicating your aquarium.

Ammonia is a primary waste product of aquatic organisms. If left unchecked, it can accumulate to toxic levels in an aquarium. In new, unconditioned aquariums, ammonia levels rise until a culture of nitrifying bacteria is established. The OceanMaster Test Kit provides you with an accurate reading of these changes - even at extremely low ammonia levels.

Directions for use:

1. Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
2. Empty test packet #1 into test chamber.
3. Cap and shake until dissolved. Wait 3 minutes.
4. Empty test packet #2 into test chamber.
5. Cap and shake to dissolve.
6. Wait 15-20 minutes. Compare sample to ammonia color chip (green).
7. Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.

Nitrite Test
Range: 0 to 1.0 and 0 to 10 milligrams/liter Nitrite-Nitrogen (NO-₂-N)
Use: Monitor nitrite levels in aquariums. Nitrite testing is also recommended when medicating or when adding more fish to a conditioned aquarium.

Disappearance of initial high nitrite indicates that the biological filter has become established. Ideally, nitrite should be virtually undetectable in a conditioned aquarium. Low-level nitrite readings discovered after conditioning may indicate problems with the biological filtration. The OceanMaster Test Kit includes a dual range feature that permits high and low level readings.

Directions for use:
Low Range Test

1. Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
2. Empty one foil test packet into test chamber. Cap and shake for one minute.
3. Wait 10 minutes. Compare sample to top set of numbers on the nitrite color chip (pink).
4. Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.

High Range Test

1. Rinse test chamber with fresh water.
2. Using a calibrated dropper, add 0.5 ml of aquarium water.
3. Fill test chamber to "Water Line" with fresh water.
4. Empty one foil test packet into test chamber.
5. Cap and shake for one minute.
6. Wait 10 minutes. Compare sample to bottom set of numbers on the nitrite color chip (pink). Multiply reading by 10 to get actual Nitrite-Nitrogen (NO-₂-N) level.
7. Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.

Nitrate Test
Range: 0 to 100 milligrams/liter Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO-₃-N)
Use: Monitor general water quality in conditioned aquariums.

Though not significantly toxic, nitrate does accumulate in the aquarium at a rate proportional to the biological load of the system. Nitrate can prove harmful to corals and invertebrates. The OceanMaster Test Kit provides a means to keep track of general water quality in your reef aquarium.

Directions for use:

1. Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
2. Empty one foil test packet into test chamber.
3. Cap and shake vigorously for one minute. Note: Small amount of test chemical will not dissolve initially. This is normal.
4. Wait 3 minutes. Compare the nitrate color chip (brown).
5. Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.

Alkalinity Test
Range: 0 to 5.0 milliequivalents/liter
Use: Measure the alkalinity and or buffer levels in a marine aquarium.

There are three main causes of alkalinity decline in the marine aquarium. 1) During nitrification, toxic ammonia (the result of the breakdown of food and waste) is biologically converted to harmless nitrate and produces an acid. The acid reacts with carbonate/bicarbonate ions, resulting in the gradual loss of buffering capacity and decline in pH. 2) When certain substrate (e.g., crushed coral or dolomite) is first added to an aquarium, it tends to precipitate carbonate/bicarbonate ions from the water, which may cause a sudden and significant drop in alkalinity and pH. 3) Live corals and coralline algae remove carbonate ions and combine them with calcium ions to form the hard skeletal structures.

In all three cases, a 25-30% water change or the addition of buffer/alkalinity will stabilize levels and ensure a buffer level adequate for maintaining a thriving marine aquarium.

Recommended Alkalinity Levels:
Fish-Only Marine Aquariums: 2.5 to 4.0 mEq/L; Reef Aquariums: 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L

If the alkalinity level tests above 2.5 and ph is low, check for excessive carbon dioxide buildup. Transfer one gallon of aquarium water to a bucket and aerate vigorously for 12-18 hours. Then compare aquarium pH to the aerated sample pH. If the sample pH is higher than the aquarium pH, excess carbon dioxide is accumulating in the aquarium.

To correct: Increase aquarium aeration or decrease biological load.

Use of a calcium reactor may also cause low pH. When carbon dioxide is used to dissolve calcium carbonate in aquarium water, the residual carbon dioxide can lower pH. An inappropriately adjusted calcium reactor can lower pH even further.

To correct: 1) Make sure your calcium reactor is properly adjusted. 2) Increase aquarium aeration with a two-stage reactor or decrease biological load.

Directions for use:
Standard Test - Routine Monitoring

1. Fill small measuring vial with water to be tested.
2. Pour into larger Titration Vial.
3. Holding Titration bottle upside down in a vertical position, add Reagent - one drop at a time to Titration Vial and swirl to mix. Initial color should be blue. Note: If initial color is yellow, empty vial and follow Precision Test Guidelines.
4. Count the number of drops until sample color turns yellow-green.
5. Divide number of total drops by 2 to obtain milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of alkalinity.

Precision Test

1. Fill small Measuring Vial with water to be tested.
2. Pour into larger Titration Vial. Repeat process.
3. Add Reagent - one drop at a time to Titration Vial. Swirl to mix.
4. Count the number of drops until sample color turns yellow-green.
5. Divide the number of drops by 4 to obtain milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of alkalinity.

Tips for Best Test Results

• Always view test sample and color chip against a white background illuminated by natural or fluorescent light.
• Always store test kit (Color-Chip Comparator and Sample Tester) away from light.