How important is nitrate testing and is my test kit accurate enough? | BRStv Investigates

[@blatzphemy]

Ryan and the BRS team are one of the best things to ever happen to reefing

[@jcrupper05]

I must say, BRS never ceases to amaze me! The lengths that BRS goes to in order to investigate accurately and give solid sound advice is why I remain a loyal customer and a huge fan! Thanks BRS!

[@pschrum4me]

BRS TV is hands down the leader in the hobby for all things reefing. Hanna please partner up with BRS and make a nitrate checker, the community has been waiting to long for one!

[@pschrum4me]

P.S. Please make one for magnesium as well. Your loyal customer, Peter

[@shawnleclair2649]

You guys rock! Keep up the series, it's awesome. I'd pick up a hanna nitrate checker as soon as it came out. Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks checking nitrate accurately is almost impossible.

[@coralinealgae]

And here I thought BRS videos couldn't get any better. So happy that I buy all of my test kits (and many other things) from these guys.

[@OnkarHarry]

BRS investigates are pioneers and is on the forefront of pushing innovation and product enhancements (err corrections). Keep it up.

[@rc2300s2r]

I use the salifert. I also have a secret weapon. After I’ve done the test and have my opinion on what the reading is I have my 10 year old daughter give me her opinion on what color it’s closest to. We are always the same so far. Oh, I don’t tell her what I’ve decided until after she tells me her conclusion. She has fun helping dad too. Win win!

[@russellbiofish]

Please, please, please! Yes! Could I say it any louder? I have been literally dying for a Nitrate Hanna Checker for a couple of years now. I even called Hanna about myself to ask on possible Beta testing and timelines. I wholeheartedly second Ryan's suggestion and am happy to spend my money on such a product. As always BRS, excellent work :)

[@MD-pl4ww]

i am a massive fan of your work... and this was probably the best I have ever seen from you guys - GREAT JOB!!!

[@cruelolol]

Fantastic video and good narrative. I was not expecting an actual story line to be in a video about water testing equipment.

[@swisherswish1072]

Thanks for the testing segment. It makes it easier for the reefing community, to pick the best test kit. Hanna checkers are awesome.

[@davidebel9276]

I really appreciate what you are doing - it's fantastic to see the impact you're able to have!

[@andygta]

Love this series so far - awesome work chaps 👌🏼

[@asmoothcrimnl]

amazing as always. fyi, brs has been one of if not the most helpful things for my reef. thankyou

[@russmaleartist]

Always impressed by the thoroughness BRS goes through in all your presentations . . . it is this type of dedication that will keep you in business when many inferior businesses, who don't, fizzle.

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

One of the best video I've seen yet by BRS. Thanks!!

[@patricktucci2818]

Simply incredible. Genius to use quality reagents from Red Sea with a custom program. You guys do phenomenal work.

[@mikea2833]

Sign me up for a Hanna Nitrate tester!

[@crazyfreddysreefs1261]

I would definitely buy a Hanna checker for nitrate

[@MrAt0g]

Me too

[@rimasmartikaitis3179]

Me also

[@srodgers895]

me too

[@RipVanWinkle_Nature_Discovery]

Definitely need a Hanna checker, so me also

[@jurypl]

Me too

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

man yall stay putting this companies to shame! cant believe you had to rig that expensive unit with hobby grade reagent LOL.. if hanna comes out with a nitrate kit ILL DEF BUY IT... just one request make sure reagent is liquid and not powder

[@arturreef8117]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS liquid

[@arturreef8117]

Yes please

[@rpeebles]

No kidding, HATE those little packets. It is a serious PITA to try not to spill any. Liquid is the only way to go.

[@spsdominant7090]

Agreed!

[@LXXero]

there's definitely a technique to using those hanna powder packets, lol. i'm mostly OK with them now, but all-liquid is definitely nice. That's one reason I still like API even though it's not very granular, you can literally test ammonia/nitrate/nitrite/cal/alk in like 5-10 minutes flat, all liquid reagants.

[@BrooksForsyth123]

just wanted to chime in and say I always watch brs tv videos. But this series is by far the most valuable for reefers. Also if the hach is more accurate for nitrate with redsea reagent have you tried other reagents in it? Also for 4 grand would it be worth it for a club to buy one?

[@wesleyturner1979]

Testing Nitrate is crucial! It's very easy now, to zap our tanks of all nitrate and phosphate with super skimmers GFO etc. I've nuked a tank because I wasn't testing and thinking I needed to reduce levels when I just needed a good clean up crew! Now I run cheato and a light 24/7 and have to dose nitrate. I haven't checked my phosphate in a while but it's always very low. A good snail and tang clean up crew is also invaluable to keep mowing down the algae so you can keep your phosphate and nitrate at measurable levels. I keep my nitrates between 2.5 to 5 ppm and have had success growing SPS LPS and softies in my mixed reef. I also dose kalk in my top off, two part dose and have a mix of t5 and led lights. My mag, calcium and kh are always near normal sea levels.

[@UnfilteredJustice]

BRS Investigates should do an episode on which way readings swing if using to much or to little reagent and how it affects the outcome. Because most people testing don't use a razor blade to even off the scooper. I just use the side of the bottle when pulling it out. Someone needs to come out with one device that you dump all the reagents in and tells you the readings of everything all at once. Testing is the bane of my tanks existence

[@ericjones9717]

I was using exclusively Red Sea for all my testing and have been really happy with them. That being said, I picked up a Hanna ULR Phosphorus checker and have been impressed enough with the ease and accuracy that I'll likely change my Alk kit over to their DKH meter. If Hanna could come up with a low range nitrate tester that's accurate, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[@deepblue5939]

Way to go guys!! Love this one!

[@andrewzammit5428]

love what you guys are doing for the reefing community. keep up the good work....by the way, Hanna nitrate checker = heeck yeah!

[@lindseyhuffhines]

Take my Money for the Nitrate test! This is one thing the Hobby needs!!!!

[@MythicalMasterpieces]

+1 on the Hanna nitrate checker. The ulr phosphorous checker was a game changer for a lot of people , myself included. Make it happen for this!

[@richarddon328]

I just got my dry rock it came in very good condition and ingot some very nice pieces there's some sponges in it but I'll easily remove them I love my rocks I'll definitely buy from you guys again it came right on time with no issues all I need is a rodi system and I can start cycling thank you for marking it so easy and very fun 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@coralinealgae]

I already use a Hanna checker for alkalinity and love it. If they came out with an accurate nitrate and phosphate checker for seawater I'd be happy to buy them. I use Red Sea test kits at the moment for those.

[@thepassionreef]

Thanks Ryan for providing the in depth analysis of the test kits. I certainly would pick a nitrate test kit which is accurate and shows results on the screen digitally rather than guess work of matching colours. If Henna comes up with one my order is for sure in there than. Can't wait.

[@mwilk19]

Hanna, we need a Nitrate checker and a magnesium checker for saltwater. I use your Alk, Po4, and Ca checkers and love them.

[@delxmax]

Excellent video. thanks for the time and effort! I'd buy a Hanna Nitrate kit if it had dry reagent with a spoon, or liquid in a dropper. Their current liquids spoil too quick, and powders are hard to completely dispense.

[@drewc518]

Hi Ryan, I'm a big fan of the channel and wanted to give you my input. Have you considered using spectroscopy methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry? You may be able to identify the molecules present in solution and be able to calculate percent purity based on the results.

[@ConnoisseurOfChrist]

I would for sure buy a Hanna Nitrate checker! Awesome work y'all!

[@WildCol]

Yes Yes Yes.... If your listening Hanna, Please make the nitrate pocket checker. I'd buy one for sure. Thanks BRS you may well have kicked off a real game changer, if it gets made.

[@rakiest]

Keep up the amazing work, these are the things us nerds want to know -- Even if it's just so we know we can't take our X, Y, or Z test TOO seriously, or know it's fallibility range above / below a certain threshold.

[@equidreams]

As someone who works in a laboratory where accuracy is paramount and technology is key, this video was just plain ~sexy~ I've had to manually calibrate some of our instrumentation to account for interferants, and it's a major thrill when it works!

[@Sixthwall]

I would definitely buy a Hanna Nitrate checker. I honestly have been having r hardest time with Salifert. Going to buy the RedSea today. But Hanna would have my business for sure. Great video. Thank you.

[@southernreefer5900]

I would ABSOLUTELY purchase a Hanna Nitrate checker. I use their checkers almost exclusively. Still use Red Sea for the occasional ammonia check and Salifert for Magnesium.

[@jenkyc7313]

Hi BRS! Could you make a video about the medical and hygienic pre-cautions we need to know when handling a saltwater tank? Everyone always talks about the ways we can get infected, or exposed to palytoxin, but not much goes into detail about the immediate actions needed. Thanks!

[@brettburtner]

Definitely interested. I'd buy one the day they came out if they're near the same range as the other testers. I've got four now.

[@ohfoesho]

Amesome video and extremely helpful. Super glad that I have just picked up the Red Sea Pro Aglae control and Reef Foundation Pro test kit. Done with the cheap API saltwater marine master kit.

[@knowen87]

You guys should test the effectiveness of the marine pure blocks with the other rocks that are available. That would be awesome. I cant wait to see the results of the refugium too!

[@Crafty_Krafter]

I love all the Hannah color meters thus far, nitrate would be an excellent addition.

[@radiolotek]

As someone who is color blind finding out Hanna is bringing out a checker for nitrate is so exciting. I have to take water to my lfs and pay 15 bucks a pop to test it because I can't read the color charts. What other checkers test accurately? BRS! I need to make an order!

[@BRStv]

As far as Hanna checkers go, the Alkalinity and Phosphate are a must have in our opinion. If you're having issues with your calcium test kits and seeing the color change, the Hanna calcium checker would also be a good purchase. If you ever use copper for QT or hospital tanks, they also make a copper checker that I highly recommend.

[@wesleyturner1979]

I like salifert because if you look through the side of the tester and divide the result number by 10 it's easy to read for me and gives me good results.

[@Paquidermo00]

I was about to buy a nitrate kit when I received the notification of the episode and make me giggle like a little girl for an unknown reason. How often are brsinvestigate video series will publish a new video?

[@rabrooks007]

YES! Get me a Hanna Nitrate tester! Thanks for such great information!

[@Ellery-USA]

Great work with thinking outside of the box. I'd be interested in a full monitoring dosing system for Nitrates, and PO4 too. I have the KH Guardian so far and it's been the bomb- I signed up to Beta test the Mindstream monitor but the timing was disappointing to say the least.

[@vascojardim6703]

Count me in for the checker. Already use Alk, Calcium, Phosphate, ULR Phosphorus and the U$200 Salinity photometer from them 😊

[@bluecollaraquatics5268]

quick question... what exactly is the difference between low range vs high range nitrate tests ?

[@beej1254]

I pretty much NEVER test nitrates and phosphates because I can't accurately tell the colors on the charts. I will eventually buy these electronic checkers from HANNA to test regularly and get steadier results. Same goes for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium, but I try my best to test alk daily, calcium once or twice a week, and mag once a month. It's very difficult for me to work with the color charts..

[@TheCluelessReefer]

I would totally be on board for a Hanna Nitrate checker on Nitrates!

[@anthonysilva5015]

Very interesting results by combining Red Sea and the expensive digital instrument. That was a cool, accidental and wise move. If only I had an unlimited budget... lol

[@superfly2323]

I personally take a two part approach at testing nitrate and ammonia itrite for that matter. I use tetra test strips as a method of catching any of it. So basically I use the strips, and if I see any coloration on it at all I'll take out the big kit and investigate further. The strips are not accurate for getting a number. But I feel they are accurate enough for detection. So I use them as a method of detection then test further if need be.

[@coreyhoward27]

+1 on a Hanna Nitrate check. I love my Alk, Cal and ULR phosphorus checkers

[@potatohead3333]

Would buy a nitrate checker on day one. No brainer. Great video here guys.

[@luisarocho9170]

I am ready for the Hanna Nitrate tester. Bring it on!

[@lookout38811]

I would buy a hanna checker to test nitrate if they had one. I already have the phosphate one and love it.

[@harv85]

Next in line Hanna, very interested in a nitrate checker

[@TXViper1979]

Yes plus 1 on the Hanna Nitrate checker!

[@Blackbookproduct10ns]

I actually find Salifert pretty easy to read (for low range at least). If you read through the direction, it says to look through it sideways as opposed to top down for more accurate/easier to read low range.

[@LXXero]

Blackbookproduct10ns i like it for high range too even. not sure why Ryan didnt like it. i actually find the red sea more difficult.

[@Blackbookproduct10ns]

LXXero I've never used Red Sea so I can't compare. I use Salifert for the big 3

[@LXXero]

i was using red sea for nitrate cal and mag but just switched to hanna for cal and may go to salifert for mag. the red sea syringes suck and the numbers rub off them making em useless. ive used nyos and api as well. i left a comment with my experiences. but im overall preferring hanna and salifert these days with api as a less granular but somewhat reliable backup.

[@UnfilteredJustice]

LXXero I don't get why Red Sea makes the rubber plunger on their syringes round. Makes it very difficult to know the precise level of water.

[@ilyiza1]

Hanna I would totally buy this!!! I think most of us would!

[@jacobgibbons2121]

I want that Nitrate Hanna Checker with Red Sea accuracy!

[@Drowofluna]

OK so got a quick question. First let me say love the videos have been hooked and so much good info. I started a tank about a month ago levels have been good except my nitrates. I only have live rock and sand in the tank but nitrate levels have been really high. Any tips?

[@tyb0b]

Can that custom program you created for the Hach 3900 be put on a DR900?

[@Hopkins-up2tn]

I would buy one for sure.

[@djditto47]

I like analytical chemistry over physical chemistry so would love a Hanna Checker for Nitrate.

[@StoriesNMore]

Awesome job guys!

[@briangeiser5861]

+1 on the Hanna Checker!!!

[@michaellawton6043]

Great video. I've grown accustomed to Hanna and would love to see a product from them for testing nitrate. This was a good video. Most people only have one test kit and would never know if there is a big swing in their readings and what it actually is. May save people from doing extra water changes. :-)

[@miguelwall2128]

Now that Hanna has developed a checker it’s quite disappointing that the range only goes to 5. I was going to purchase one, but I need to measure 10 plus or minus a few ppm accurately. I’m hoping a high range checker is in the works.

[@miguelwall2128]

@Brstvinvestigates it would be great if you guys push the folks at Hanna to also develop a high range nitrate tester from 5ppm and up. I had been battling cyano, hair, and bubble algae for months and with your help used vibrant which eradicated the bubble and most of the hair algae. I lost many of my LPS, mostly euphelia, in the process though but still had cyano pop back up and small patches of hair algae even after 3 months. I then reached out to BRS and began using DR TIM’S RE-FRESH and WASTE-AWAY regiment, but with small results. My phosphates were below .20 and mostly in the .10 range and nitrates were at close to 0. I then reached out to DR TIMS about 3 weeks ago and was asked to provide my water parameters from my Apex/Trident and test kits and was advised to raise nitrate to 10, which I have been doing. Hair algae is disappearing and cyano seems to be starving out, but my Salifert nitrate test kit has no indication between 10ppm and 25. Please, encourage Hanna to either update their new handheld nitrate tester or develop a high range tester. I’m sure a poll of your current followers and customers would indicate this is a much needed product and an area of revenue left untapped, and that the low range handheld Hanna tester leaves much to be desired with regard to range.

[@georgiamountainoutdoors8538]

I was going to buy one when I ordered my hanna alk checker from BRS. I was surprised when there wasn't one.

[@BRStv]

Rumor has it that a Nitrate checker is in the near future. We'll have to wait and see!

[@BraddaMarlon]

what tank is that at :43 size? Also is there a video on setup of that tank

[@antjaw]

I own the Hanna Ultra Low Range Phosphorous Checker, Marine Calcium Checker and the Saltwater Aquarium Alkalinity (dKH) Checker. I would buy a Nitrate Checker from them the day it came out.

[@Vdeez]

I would hands down buy a hanna nitrate checker. Couldn't live without my phosphate and alk checker from them.

[@3dreefs978]

would love a hanna nitrate checker. i have like 5 of them and i love then

[@JasonOldfield1838]

Assuming it would be about the same cost as the other Hanna Checkers, I would definitely be VERY interested in a Nitrate Checker. The Phosphate Checker is generally useless to anybody that has a mature tank and does reasonable tank maintenance, as it always reads 0. However, it is not uncommon for my Nitrates to vary between 2 - 25, depending upon how lazy I have been with my water changes (e.g. months). Better would be a Nitrate probe, but from what I've seen in the past they were ridiculously expensive.

[@runs_on_coffee]

Same here... I would definately get one...

[@ReefingwithO]

I would definitely purchase one.

[@NanoJoe]

I'd purchase one for sure!

[@slobooger]

I would be interested in getting one of those checkers too!

[@tjhowell3282]

I would definitely pick up a nitrate version!!!

[@maximaman77]

I would absolutely buy a Hanna Nitrate checker!

[@RyanSmith-mn7uc]

So which one is the best one for reefers who want to keep a successful reef tank?

[@sheldonjessup]

I would pre-order the Hanna test kit today!

[@davismcmoney5342]

I'd definitely buy a Hanna nitrate checker!

[@spsdominant7090]

I'm hoping and praying that Hannah would come out with a Nitrate checker. I see they have the Nitrite checker. What's up with that. I've tested for Nitrite only once during my very first tank build. A Nitrate checker would probably sell 10 to 1 to Phosphate checker.

[@JavyGwaltney3]

Would LOVE a Hanna Nitrate test kit

[@robeauty077]

+1 for Hanna! Need more for my collection. Also use Red Sea

[@carlospina6751]

+1 on the Hanna Nitrate Checker

[@ralphrunnfeldt4389]

Hell yes!!!! We need a low cost Nitrate checker. Go Hannah!!!

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

Would love to have a Hanna Checker for Nitrates!!!

[@Fraysbricks]

mixed reef nano tank going great 14months old, worst has happened the dreaded Chrysophytes Outbreak [white fuzz] think I' have to tear the tank down! I've tried 3days no lighting, I only feed twice week [have 3 fish], run chemi pure, matrix, skimmer, WC weekly. I tried scrubbing it off stuff wont budge =/ could I remove a large section of affected live rock would this affect my nitrate uptake lots though?

[@brianfinch2597]

is hannah going to be on board for the nitrate checker? I know I would pick one up!

[@jdg1231]

Yes, I too would purchase an accurate Hana Nitrate checker!

[@georgemiller5644]

I'd be up for a Hanna Nitrate checker. I use the red sea pro kit now.

[@TheJfdanny0968]

I would love a hanna nitrate checker.