Adding nitrogen - how long until I can accurately measure nitrates?

[Just John]

I am adding Flourish Nitrogen (1% nitrate, 0.5% urea nitrogen) to my tank that typically has low nitrates. The first time I added some, I ran a nitrate test an hour later and it showed no change. The day after it showed an increase. How long do I need to wait before I can get an accurate measurement?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The nitrate is detectable right away (as soon as it mixes in)

No idea why they add urea. It may never be detected as nitrate. Not sure what exactly will happen to it, but it may be converted into ammonia and taken up by organisms that way.

For future purchases, I'd suggest dosing just sodium nitrate from amazon.

 

[Just John]

The nitrate is detectable right away (as soon as it mixes in)

No idea why they add urea. It may never be detected as nitrate. Not sure what exactly will happen to it, but it may be converted into ammonia and taken up by organisms that way.

For future purchases, I'd suggest dosing just sodium nitrate from amazon.

Thanks!