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JBL PROAQUATEST NH4 Ammonium
Quick test to determine ammonium/ammonia content in freshwater/marine water aquariums and in ponds

Product information sheet Instructions
  • Simple and reliable monitoring of ammonium (NH4) and ammonia (NH3) in aquariums/ponds. Checks the biological balance (bacterial activity) in freshwater and marine water
  • Laboratory comparator system to compensate the inherent water colour: fill glass vials with sample water, add reagents to one vial, place vials in holder, read values off colour chart and table
  • Use: when setting up a new freshwater aquarium: once a day. Initial setup with marine water: once a week. For use in case of fish diseases or fish deaths.
  • You will find detailed information and troubleshooting tips about water analysis on the JBL website in Essentials/Aquarium or Pond
  • Package contents: 1 quick test, ammonium test NH4 for approx. 50 measurements. Incl. 3 reagents, 2 glass vials with screw caps, syringe, comparator block and colour scale. Reagent refill separately available
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Price: 21,39 €
Recommended retail price incl. VAT
You can find this item in your specialist and online shop
Dealer close to you
Price: 12,24 €
Recommended retail price incl. VAT
You can find this item in your specialist and online shop
Dealer close to you
Instructions

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Product information

Healthy aquarium/healthy pond with conditions close to nature
The right water values are dependent on the fish stock and the plants in the aquarium/pond. Even if the water looks clear it can be contaminated. With bad values diseases or algae can appear in the aquarium/pond. To maintain a healthy aquarium/pond with conditions close to nature it is important to check and adapt the water values regularly.

For each water analysis JBL provides water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests. These determine a certain value or several values in one go. With these water tests you can recognise algae problems and negative nitrate, nitrite, potassium, magnesium values etc.

Why test?
The degradation or mineralisation process of all organic substances in the aquarium and pond follows these stages: proteins > ammonium > nitrite > nitrate. By measuring these stages conclusions can be drawn about the “functioning” of the systems aquarium and pond. If the ammonium or nitrite level is too high it can lead to disturbances of the bacterial balance. Ammonium is not usually measurable in a well-kept aquarium with an effective biological filter or in a properly set up garden pond. Ammonium is an important plant nutrient and normally non-toxic for fish. But depending on the pH value, ammonia, which is toxic for fish, can be formed from the ammonium ion.

Recommended ammonium values:
Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): < 0.25 mg/l
Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: < 0.25 mg/l
Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): < 0.25 mg/l
Marine aquarium: 0-0.25 mg/l
Pond: <0.1 mg/l

You can analyse the water values you have measured in the JBL Online Laboratory free of charge and receive recommendations.

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Details

JBL PROAQUATEST NH4 Ammonium

Art. no.:
2412100
EAN Code:
4014162241214
For:
50 Tests
Volume packaging:
0.8 l
Gross weight:
165 g
Net weight:
108 g
Weight factor:
0
Packaging dimensions (l/h/w):
43/175/106 mm

Properties

Animal species: Armored catfish, Arowana, Axolotl, Barbels, Bettas, Bichirs/reedfish, Blowfish, Catfish, Cichlids (South America), Clawed frogs, Clawed shrimps, Corals, Crayfish, Crustaceans, Danions, Discus, Dwarf crayfish, Dwarf shrimps, Flowerhorn, Gobies, Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppy, Juvenile fish, Killifish, Livebearers, Loaches, Mussels, Newts, Panchaxes, Rainbowfish, Snails, Spiny eels, Terrapins, Tetra, Tropical terrapin, Veiltails, Water turtles, blood parrot cichlids, freshwater butterflyfish
Animal size: For all animal sizes
Animal age group: All aquarium fish
Material: Reagent(s) in plastic bottle(s) and/or glass bottle(s) + plastic and/or glass accessories. REFILL: reagent(s) without accessories.
Colour: white / transparent / black
Dosage: See instructions

Electronic label / illuminant

Mercury: No
Dimmable: No

Technical Data

Height:175 mm
Length:106 mm
Width:43 mm

JBL PROAQUATEST NH4 REFILL

Art. no.:
2412200
EAN Code:
4014162241221
For:
Refill
Volume packaging:
0.57 l
Gross weight:
69 g
Net weight:
31 g
Weight factor:
0
Packaging dimensions (l/h/w):
30/175/110 mm

Properties

Animal species: Armored catfish, Arowana, Axolotl, Barbels, Bettas, Bichirs/reedfish, Blowfish, Catfish, Cichlids (South America), Clawed frogs, Clawed shrimps, Corals, Crayfish, Crustaceans, Danions, Discus, Dwarf crayfish, Dwarf shrimps, Flowerhorn, Gobies, Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppy, Juvenile fish, Killifish, Livebearers, Loaches, Mussels, Newts, Panchaxes, Rainbowfish, Snails, Spiny eels, Terrapins, Tetra, Tropical terrapin, Veiltails, Water turtles, blood parrot cichlids, freshwater butterflyfish
Animal size: For all animal sizes
Animal age group: All aquarium fish
Material: Reagent(s) in plastic bottle(s) and/or glass bottle(s) + plastic and/or glass accessories. REFILL: reagent(s) without accessories.
Colour: white / transparent / black
Dosage: See instructions

Electronic label / illuminant

Mercury: No
Dimmable: No

Technical Data

Height:64 mm
Length:72 mm
Width:24 mm
FAQ
Where can I find the record sheets for the documentation of my water analysis?

Have you lost your record sheets, used them all up, or need them in another language?
In the appendix of this FAQ you will find PDF files for printing them out in German, English and French.

Why are there different recommendations and values on the colour chart of the water test?

With the JBL PROAQUATEST drop tests you have a laboratory comparator system which compensates the inherent colouration of the water and at the same time enables non-chemists to carry out an accurate and safe water analysis. To ensure that water testing monitors the life of your fish and provides the greatest possible safety, you will find an evaluation adaptable to three different applications.

Above the different coloured measuring points are numbers, three symbols and a colour band for each.

The symbols stand for the following applications:
Fish = freshwater
Koi = garden pond
Starfish = marine water

The colour band tells you the meaning of the value determined in green (everything OK), yellow (attention) and red (need for action). In addition you will find numbers that reflect the value in mg/l for the respective colour field.

The first two (freshwater and pond) colour bands belong to the upper number row. Marine water belongs to the lower number row.

Why do the values differ?
Due to the high salt concentration in marine water, the colouring of the reaction is not as intense as in freshwater (which also includes pond). Consequently, the value for the same colouration is greater than in freshwater

Why do the recommendations differ?
Every habitat reacts differently to certain nutrient concentrations. In the garden pond, for example, constantly changing temperatures and light intensity can jeopardise the value more than in freshwater, where, unlike in the pond, these factors are constant and necessary additives are supplied. That’s why the recommendations are green for one area of application, yet yellow for the other.

I have lost my colour chart. Can I download the colour chart for the test?

The colour cards are not available for download on the JBL website. The absolutely accurate colour reproduction that is required can only be achieved using a printer which can be re-calibrated before each printout. Most privately used printers are not accurate enough for this.

You will find the colour chart bundle as a spare part on the respective product page and in the spare parts shop under: https://www.jbl.de/en/products/detail/8732/jbl-proaquatest-assortiment-color-chart

The instructions point out that the comparator block should be used to compare the colours. Can this be done without the comparator block as well ? Or is there a factor from this comparison that is required for the measurement ?

The colour charts are intended to be used with the comparator block. In addition, when the comparator block is used with the blank water sample, this compensates the inherent water colour.

Therefore, if the comparator block is not used, there will most likely be deviations in the readings.

Does the NH4 test determine ammonia as well?

The JBL PROAQUATEST NH4 Ammonium has a chemical reaction designed to indicate both NH4+ and NH3 (ammonia) in the dye.

How much of the measured NH4+ value is then actually present in the user's aquarium in the form of NH3 depends on the pH value in the aquarium. The correlation between the value measured and the pH value can be seen in the table printed in the instructions for use.

Show more FAQs ...
Blog (opinions & experiences)

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Today we’re continuing on the topic of water tests, with Part II of the blog post from 22.01.2023. Enjoy reading.

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Laboratory Comparator System to Compensate the Intrinsic Colour of the Water

Instead of comparing the colour change of the water on a colour scale, a second measuring glass with the aquarium water is put on the colour field of the colour chart.

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Press
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Reference guide (Themeworld)

Testing water

Water can look crystal clear and still contain a deadly poison such as arsenic. Unfortunately we are unable to assess the quality of the pond water by looking at it.

Fish care

How do you protect your new fish? What to remember when caring for fish?

The water tests – all parameters

You don't always have to do all the tests, any more than your doctor will look in your ears when your knee hurts. In the following table you will find brief information about where a water test can help.

Pond fish diseases

Which diseases affect pond fish and how can you combat them?

Oxygen and temperature

Why is the oxygen content so important? Which temperatures are critical?

Accidental poisoning

Metals, ammonia and nitrite can lead to poisoning. What you can do in this case

Marine water

There is a solution to almost every problem! And the hardest part is finding the cause of the problem.

Diseases

Recognising and treating fish and invertebrate diseases

Deficiency symptoms

Here’s how to prevent deficiency symptoms in fish and plants

Marine water treatment

What maintenance does your marine aquarium need?

Testing water

Testing water – the most important step to understanding your aquarium. Why is water testing necessary?

Daily care

How much daily or weekly care is involved? What are the basic maintenance measures for your aquarium?

Fish breeding in aquariums

Would you also like to breed your fish? What do you have to consider when breeding?

Fish species

Which fish species suit your aquarium? What demands do the fish species have?

Invertebrate species

What invertebrate animals are suitable for your aquarium? What demands do invertebrates have? What do you need to consider for their care?

Water tests

What water tests are available? How do water tests work? How do you test properly?

Water values

Which water tests are important? How can you achieve perfect water values?

Plants

Which aquarium plants are best? What’s the best way to plant them?

The marine aquarium

Holiday at the coral reef - in your own living room! Marine aquariums are the most exciting branch of aquatics

Biotope (habitat) aquarium types

A real piece of the Amazon or, with the Congo, a piece of the heart of Africa. A habitat (biotope) aquarium is a challenge. Can you emulate nature?

Aquascaping aquarium type JBL Dreamscape®

Mountains, valleys, meadows and fish! Create your dreamlike landscape under water with the Dreamscape® aquarium

Jungle aquarium type JBL Rio Pantanal®

A bit of jungle river in your living room. Lively underwater action! No problem with the JBL Rio Pantanal® aquarium

Goldfish aquarium type JBL Goldfish Paradise®

Lively goldfish in the aquarium enhance any room perfectly! Invite some new flatmates into your home with this goldfish aquarium.

Rocky reef aquarium type JBL Malawi Rocks®

The fish of Lake Malawi are as colourful as the fish in the coral reefs. This aquarium brings a bit of freshwater reef into your living room

Rainwater

Rainwater gradually softens your pond water. What consequences does this have for your pond?

The right filter material

What sort of filter material to choose? What filter material solves which problems? How can you clean it? Where does it need to be positioned in the filter?
Download

Instructions

Additional product information and downloads

spare parts

component set for water tests 

PROAQUATEST range colour charts 
Customer reviews

Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0
2 public review(s) for this product.

0 Reviews

2 more reviews in other languages

2 Reviews in other languages

dr_scaper - Polish
2023-06-06T22:51:33Z

very professional aquarium test. these are the only tests i trust

fishrimps9 - Spanish
2021-07-29T10:00:15Z

perfecto para iniciar un acuario desde 0, para controlar los niveles de amoniaco y observar el ciclo del nitrogeno

JBL NH4 1 - safety information in accordance with GHS

Signal word: Danger

Hazard symbol

  • GHS02
  • GHS05
  • GHS07
  • GHS09

Risk phrase

EUH031: Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H400: Very toxic to aquatic life.
H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

safety note

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P501a: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

Hazard-determining component

1310-73-2: sodium hydroxide
67-63-0: propan-2-ol
7681-52-9/1: sodium hypochlorite, solution

JBL NH4 2 - safety information in accordance with GHS

Signal word: Danger

Hazard symbol

  • GHS05
  • GHS09

Risk phrase

EUH031: Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H318: Causes serious eye damage.
H400: Very toxic to aquatic life.
H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

safety note

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P501a: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

Hazard-determining component

1310-73-2: sodium hydroxide
7681-52-9/1: sodium hypochlorite, solution

JBL NH4 3 - safety information in accordance with GHS

Signal word: Danger

Hazard symbol

  • GHS02
  • GHS07

Risk phrase

H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H315: Causes skin irritation.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

safety note

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P501a: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

Hazard-determining component

67-63-0: propan-2-ol
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