I'm a NYOS Nitrate Test convert!

mike550 · Jul 6, 2020

So I've been struggling to read Salifert Nitrate tests for the past 6-8 months (newbie reefer) since like many I've had trouble differentiating the various color shades. Since it was time for me to reorder, I decided to give Nyos a try. Ran the test tonight and I have to say that I'm making a permanent switch! Much easier to read and the total time is only a couple of minutes more than Salifert.

Just passing along another vote for Nyos.

xjiang7 · Jul 6, 2020

I have been using nyos nitrate kit only thing is their dropper needs to be redesigned. Also the liquid reagent runs out way faster than the powder reagent, with no reagent refill for sale too. Otherwise performance is great. Can’t wait to see the Hanna nitrate kit

andrewey · Jul 6, 2020

Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you find it easier at all ranges or is there a sweet spot that you find it easier to read than the salifert?

MightyMO · Jul 6, 2020

I just got all Hanna checkers... My eyes aren't worth a dang anymore..

mike550 · Jul 6, 2020

andrewey said:
Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you find it easier at all ranges or is there a sweet spot that you find it easier to read than the salifert?

My nitrates range from 5-10-ish. So in the Nyos the 3, 5, 12 are very easy to differentiate. On the Salifert it's 2, 5, 10, and I was really struggling with whether I was closer to 5 or 10. I think part of the difference is staring down the top of the plastic container on the Salifert with the glare from lighting etc, whereas the Nyos has this foam holder that really lets you make a very easy comparison between the two vials of water.

mike550 · Jul 6, 2020

MightyMO said:
I just got all Hanna checkers... My eyes aren't worth a dang anymore..

I use Hanna for salinity, Alk, and Phosphate. I learned my lesson the hard way on phosphates as I bought the wrong tester. Waiting for a Hanna nitrate checker that's in a bit higher range.

mike550 · Jul 6, 2020

xjiang7 said:
I have been using nyos nitrate kit only thing is their dropper needs to be redesigned. Also the liquid reagent runs out way faster than the powder reagent, with no reagent refill for sale too. Otherwise performance is great. Can’t wait to see the Hanna nitrate kit

Oh that's good to know thanks!

xjiang7 · Jul 6, 2020

mike550 said:
Oh that's good to know thanks!

Lol just keep one extra kit on hand. That day I thought I had a lot left looking at the powder but had only two drops left in the dropper

Jonify · Jul 7, 2020

That's good to know, I was considering swapping to their test kit, too. I'm not getting anything above 0 on Salifert's, and feed so much, it can be quite right. Also can't wait until the Hanna checker is out. I will starve before I let that purchase pass me up.

SPR1968 · Jul 7, 2020

I use the NYOS nitrate and also for calcium and magnesium and there just so simple to use.

They are very accurate and I confirmed it to within 5 in a triton test certainly for magnesium which I think is what they claim as well.

Gary Ellis · Jan 11, 2021

What is an optimum reading on the NYOS color chart for a reef tank? Is it in PPM?

User1 · Jan 11, 2021

Gary Ellis said:
What is an optimum reading on the NYOS color chart for a reef tank? Is it in PPM?

Nyos uses PPM based on their docs. I think for reefs most aim for 10 ppm. I think that number is going to vary by hobbyist and system. Too many variables honestly but in my opinion that is a number to use as a reference.

https://www.nyos.info/assets/downloads/Nitrate_Reefer_Manual_DE_EN_FR_IT_ES_NL.pdf

Jimbo662 · Jan 11, 2021

mike550 said:
So I've been struggling to read Salifert Nitrate tests for the past 6-8 months (newbie reefer) since like many I've had trouble differentiating the various color shades. Since it was time for me to reorder, I decided to give Nyos a try. Ran the test tonight and I have to say that I'm making a permanent switch! Much easier to read and the total time is only a couple of minutes more than Salifert.

Just passing along another vote for Nyos.

I did my first Nyos Nitrate test on Saturday! So much better than the Salifert. I could never tell if it was 25 or 50!

mborn · Jan 11, 2021

mike550 said:
My nitrates range from 5-10-ish. So in the Nyos the 3, 5, 12 are very easy to differentiate. On the Salifert it's 2, 5, 10, and I was really struggling with whether I was closer to 5 or 10. I think part of the difference is staring down the top of the plastic container on the Salifert with the glare from lighting etc, whereas the Nyos has this foam holder that really lets you make a very easy comparison between the two vials of water.

Just a tip, when reading the Salifert test in the 0-10 range, you look through the side of the vile, not the top. That’s in the “higher sensitivity” part of the instructions. That may clear up your issue with Salifert. Although, that being said, Nyos is a good kit.