The JBL ProAqua Test NO3 Nitrate is designed for the measurement and routine control of the nitrate content in saltwater and freshwater within the range 5-120 mg/l (ppm).Why test? The degradation of all organic substances (food and plant residues, fish excretions) in the aquarium and pond follows the following stages: proteins > ammonium > nitrite > nitrate. Certain bacteria are responsible for this process. By measuring the individual intermediate stages of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, we can draw conclusions about how well the system isfunctioning. Normally, ammonium and nitrite should not be allowed to accumulate. If they do, the bacterial balance may be disturbed. A continuous increase in the nitrate content, accompanied by a low or undetectable ammonium and nitrite content is characteristic of a wellfunctioning bacteria balance but indicates at the same time an insufficient balance between fish (nitrogen source) and plants (consumers). In garden ponds, this often happens in h