Aquaforest Expands ICP Test: Now Includes Nitrate

Aquaforest has announced that it is adding Nitrate to the 38 other water parameters included in its ICP test. The product now includes a full ICP-OES water analysis, salinity, KH, and nitrate. There are more ICP machines in Europe than anywhere else, with every brand having to offer more in order to entice consumer business. This has come in the form of ICP-MS from some (a different machine,) or extra tests bolted on to ICP-OES, like Aquaforest is including here. The Aquaforest Lab is in Brzesko, Poland so UK reefers will need to send their tests there. 

For years we were all told to keep nitrates as low as possible in reef aquaria, peaking over ten years ago with a recommendation from Ultra Low Nutrient (ULNS) brands to keep it at zero, using a combination of Zeolite and Probiotic bacteria. Now, the general consensus is to keep nitrates at a level around 10ppm, which can be tested for with a liquid test kit, a Hanna checker, Trident NP, or by professional lab test like this one here. Our recommendation is not to compare different ICP tests as they all test differently, but to stick with just one provider instead. 

Aquaforest also provide a wide range of elements, and nitrate-reducing liquids, for its users to be able to correct their water based on the results of the test.