Fluval NitriteTest Kit 75 Tests
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Number of tests
75 tests
Fluval NitriteTest Kit 75 Tests
Catches the nitrite spike that follows an ammonia spike, before it becomes a fish kill. The Fluval Nitrite Test Kit (A7870) is a liquid-reagent test for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, reading nitrite (NO2-) from 0.0 to 3.3 mg/L over 75 tests. Nitrite forms as beneficial bacteria break down ammonia during cycling, and it tends to stay elevated for longer than ammonia does – this kit is what catches it.
Key features
- 75 tests per kit – enough for weekly monitoring of one tank for well over a year.
- 0.0-3.3 mg/L range – covers everything from a trace reading in an established tank to the dangerous levels seen mid-cycle.
- Liquid reagent, not strips – more accurate and more consistent to read than dip strips over repeated use.
- Freshwater and saltwater – one kit works across both setups.
- Reusable glass test tube included – ongoing testing only draws down the reagent, not the tube.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Parameter tested | Nitrite (NO2-) |
| Range | 0.0-3.3 mg/L |
| Number of tests | 75 |
| Method | Liquid reagent with colour comparison chart |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Included | Reagent solutions (17 mL and 10 mL), pipette, glass test tube, instruction booklet |
Fluval does not publish the colour chart's reading increments or an exact time-to-result on its retail listing, so those two figures are left off rather than guessed – the printed instruction booklet in the box is the reference for both.
What's included
- 1 x nitrite reagent solution (17 mL)
- 1 x nitrite reagent solution (10 mL)
- 1 x pipette
- 1 x glass test tube
- 1 x instruction booklet with colour comparison chart
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for routine water testing in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, particularly during and after cycling a new tank, after a stocking increase, or when fish are showing signs of stress. Not a substitute for an ammonia or nitrate test – nitrite is one part of the nitrogen cycle, and a full picture needs all three.
Care and maintenance
Keep reagent bottles capped and stored away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Rinse the glass test tube in tank water rather than tap water between uses, so chlorine or chloramine doesn't skew the next reading. Replace the whole kit once a reagent bottle runs empty rather than topping it up with another brand's reagent.
Goes well with
- Fluval Ammonia Test Kit 50 Tests – test the parameter that produces nitrite in the first place.
- Fluval Master Test Kit – covers nitrite alongside pH, ammonia and nitrate in one kit.
- Fluval Phosphate Test Kit 75 Tests – worth adding if algae is a recurring issue alongside nitrogen cycle checks.
Warranty and delivery
Covered against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard freight applies.
Common questions
What does a high nitrite reading mean?
Nitrite above roughly 0.5 mg/L is a warning sign in an established tank, and is expected temporarily during cycling. It converts from ammonia by one set of bacteria and is broken down into nitrate by another – a persistent high reading usually means the tank isn't fully cycled or is overstocked for its filtration.
What should I do if my nitrite reading is high?
Increase water changes, check the filter is running properly and hasn't been over-cleaned, and hold off adding new fish until readings return to near zero. Retest every few days rather than daily, since nitrite levels change gradually as the bacterial colony catches up.
How often should I test?
Weekly for an established tank, and more often – every 1 to 2 days – while a new tank is cycling or after a significant change in stocking.
Does this kit test saltwater tanks too?
Yes. The same reagents and range apply to both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
