Sodium nitrate vs sodium nitrite

Revos · Oct 8, 2018

Hi. I Want to dose some nitrates in my tank. Does anyone know if i Can use sodium nitrite?
What the different between sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite?

Skep18 · Oct 8, 2018

One doses Nitrate (NO3) and the other doses Nitrite (NO2). You want sodium nitrate.

For more details, see the below BRS video about the nitrogen cycle:

Revos · Oct 8, 2018

Ty for your reply. Sodium nitrate is forbidden in my country Is there any other product that is safe to use?

Skep18 · Oct 8, 2018

Potassium Nitrate I hear can also be dosed. There's mention of remaining aware of potential rising potassium levels in the long term but given the small amount dosed, many don't think it should be an issue, especially if normal water changes are performed.

chipmunkofdoom2 · Oct 10, 2018

Sodium nitrite would theoretically work, but nitrite is slightly toxic to marine organisms. It's not as bad as ammonia, but it's not as harmless as nitrates. If you did choose to use this additive, you'd have to move very slowly and carefully. Nitrite would have to be processed into nitrates by your tank's bacterial filter.

Potassium nitrate would probably be a better solution if it's available.

Skep18 · Oct 10, 2018

chipmunkofdoom2 said:
Sodium nitrite would theoretically work, but nitrite is slightly toxic to marine organisms. It's not as bad as ammonia, but it's not as harmless as nitrates. If you did choose to use this additive, you'd have to move very slowly and carefully. Nitrite would have to be processed into nitrates by your tank's bacterial filter.

Potassium nitrate would probably be a better solution if it's available.

Good point.

Also note, it's been my experience as in situations like cycling a tank, if there are measurable nitrites present, common test kits seem to read really high in nitrates. It might be difficult to confirm dosage if the nitrites don't get processed into nitrates quickly.