HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit User Manual

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HACH - logoDOC326.97.00090
Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit
FF-2 (243001)
12/2022, Edition 2
User Manual

Section 1 General information

In no event will the manufacturer be liable for damages resulting from any improper use of product or failure to comply with the instructions in the manual. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in this manual and the  products it describes at any time, without notice or obligation.
Revised editions are found on the manufacturer’s website.
1.1 Safety information
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damages due to misapplication or misuse of this product including, without limitation, direct, incidental and consequential damages, and disclaims such damages to the full extent permitted  under applicable law. The user is soley responsible to identify critical application risks and install appropriate mechanisms to protect processes during a possible equipment malfunction.
Please read this entire manual before unpacking, setting up or operating this equipment. Pay attention to all danger and caution statements. Failure to do so could result in serious injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.
Make sure that the protection provided by this equipment is not impaired. Do not use or install this equipment in any manner other than that specified in this manual.

1.2 Use of hazard information

DANGER
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the instrument. Information that requires special emphasis.

1.3 Product overview
The Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit includes the necessary items to measure important parameters in freshwater aquaculture. Refer to Table 1. Control of the parameters helps to make a healthy environment for aquatic organisms.
Some measurement methods use reagents and color discs to make a visual determination of the parameter concentration. Refer to Figure 1. Other measurement methods use reagents and titration procedures to measure the parameter  concentration. Refer to the supplied documentation for use of the Digital Titrator.

Table 1 Test kit parameters

Parameter Range Method
Acidity 100-400 mg/L CaCO3 Titration
Alkalinity 100-400 mg/L CaCO3 Titration
Ammonia 0-3.0 N H3—N Color disc
Carbon dioxide 20-100 mg/L CO2 Titration
Chloride 10-40 mg/L Cl- Titration
Dissolved oxygen 0-20 mg/L 02 Titration
Hardness, total 100-400 mg/L CaCO3 Titration
Nitrite 0-0.4 mg/L NO2—N Color disc
pH 4-10 pH units Color disc
Temperature °F, °C Thermometer

Figure 1 Color comparator boxHACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 1

1 Windows for color matching 4 Scale window
2 Left opening for viewing tube 5 Color disc
3 Right opening for viewing tube

1.4 Product components

Make sure that all components have been received. Refer to the list that follows. If any items are missing or damaged, contact the manufacturer or a sales representative immediately.

  • Bottle, BOD, 60 mL
  • Carrying case
  • Clippers
  • Color comparator box
  • Color discs (3x)
  • Color viewing tubes, plastic (2x)
  • Digital Titrator
  • User Manual for Digital Titrator
  • Delivery tubes for Digital Titrator
  • Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL
  • Graduated cylinder, 100 mL
  • Thermometer, dual range, non-mercury
  • Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Powder Pillows
  • Bromphenol Blue Indicator Powder Pillows
  • Phenolphthalein Indicator Powder Pillows
  • Diphenylcarbazone Reagent Powder Pillows
  • Mercuric Nitrate Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.2256 N
  • Dissolved Oxygen 1 Powder Pillows
  • Dissolved Oxygen 2 Powder Pillows
  • Dissolved Oxygen 3 Powder Pillows (4x)
  • Hardness 1 Buffer Solution
  • ManVer 2 Hardness Indicator Powder Pillows
  • EDTA Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.800 M
  • Mercuric Nitrate Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.2256 N
  • NitriVer3 Powder Pillows
  • Nessler Reagent Solution
  • Rochelle Salt Solution
  • Sodium Thiosulfate Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.0250 N
  • Starch Indicator Solution
  • Sodium Hydroxide Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.3636 N
  • Sodium Hydroxide Digital Titrator Cartridge, 1.600 N
  • Sulfuric Acid Digital Titrator Cartridge, 1.600 N
  • Wide-range pH Indicator Solution
  • Water, deionized (2x)

Section 2 Acidity

2.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and flask with deionized water after the test. Rinse the graduated cylinder with sample before the test.
  • Pour and mix the sample carefully to prevent the loss of dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide.
  • Acidity is the capacity of water to neutralize a strong base. The acidity of natural waters is usually very low. Carbonic acid is a weak acid that forms from dissolved carbon dioxide and is the primary acid in natural waters. Natural  waters can also include organic acids such as tannic acids and strong mineral acids such as sulfuric acid from acid rain. The methyl orange procedure measures the acidity only from mineral acids. The bromphenol blue indicator is  used as an alternative to the methyl orange indicator because bromphenol blue has a sharper color change at the endpoint.

2.2 Test procedure—Acidity, methyl orange (100–400 mg/L CaCO3)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 2
1. Attach a 1.600 N
Sodium Hydroxide
Titration Cartridge to
the Digital Titrator.
Insert a clean delivery
tube into the cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 3
5. Add one
Bromphenol Blue
Powder Pillow. Swirl to
mix. A yellow color
develops if the sample
contains mineral acidity.
If the sample is green,
the methyl orange
acidity is zero.		 6. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 7. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until
the color changes from
yellow to pure green.		 8. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
The number of digits is
the concentration in
mg/L.

2.3 Test procedure—Total (Phenolphthalein) Acidity (mg/L CaCO3)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 4
1. Attach a 1.600 N
Sodium Hydroxide
Titration Cartridge to
the Digital Titrator.
Insert a clean delivery
tube into the cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 5
5. Add one
Phenolphthalein
Powder Pillow. Swirl to
mix.		 6. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 7. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until a
pink color develops and
stays for 30 seconds.		 8. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
The number of digits is
the concentration in
mg/L.

2.4 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Bromphenol Blue Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 1455099
Cylinder, graduated, polypropylene, 100 mL each 108142
Delivery tube for Digital Titrator 5/pkg 1720500
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL each 50546
Phenolphthalein Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 94299
Sodium Hydroxide Digital Titrator Cartridge, 1.600 N each 1437901
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

Section 3 Alkalinity

3.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and flask with deionized water after the test. Rinse the graduatedcylinder with sample before the test.
  • Alkalinity is the capacity of water to neutralize acids. Carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides are the primary sources of alkalinity in water. A high total alkalinity value makes water more resistant to pH changes.
  • Alkalinity procedures use two endpoints. The first endpoint, phenolphthalein (pH 8.3), measures the total hydroxide and one half of the carbonate ions in the sample. The second endpoint, total, measures all carbonate, bicarbonate  and hydroxide ions. The pH of the second endpoint can be different for different alkalinity levels and sample compositions. Refer to Table 2.
  • To help see the correct endpoint color, mix one pH Buffer Powder Pillow with the correct endpoint pH in 50 mL of deionized water, then add one Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Powder Pillow.
    Compare the color of the buffer indicator solution to the sample during the titration.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.

Table 2 Total alkalinity endpoint values

Sample composition Endpoint
Alkalinity value approximately 30 mg/L pH 4.9
Alkalinity value approximately 150 mg/L pH 4.6
Alkalinity value approximately 500 mg/L pH 4.3
Silicates or phosphates known to be in the sample pH 4.5
Industrial wastes or complex mixture pH 4.5

3.2 Test procedure—Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 6
1. Attach a 1.600 N
Sulfuric Acid Titration
Cartridge to the Digital
Titrator. Insert a clean
delivery tube into the
cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 7
5. Add one
Phenolphthalein
Powder Pillow. Swirl to
mix. A pink color
develops. If a pink color
does not develop, the
phenolphthalein
alkalinity is zero. Go to
step 9.		 6. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 7. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until
the color changes from
pink to colorless.		 8. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
The number of digits is
the concentration in
mg/L.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 8
9. Add one Bromcresol
Green-Methyl Red
Powder Pillow. Swirl to
mix.		 10. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 11. Turn the knob on
the Digital Titrator to
add titrant to the
solution. Continue to
swirl the flask. Add
titrant until the color
changes light greenish
blue-gray (pH 5.1), a
light violet-gray (pH 4.8)
or a light pink (pH 4.5).		 12. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
The number of digits is
the concentration in
mg/L.

3.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 94399
Cylinder, graduated, polypropylene, 100 mL each 108142
Delivery tube for Digital Titrator 5/pkg 1720500
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL each 50546
Phenolphthalein Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 94299
Sulfuric Acid Digital Titrator Cartridge, 1.600 N each 1438901
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

3.4 Optional items

Description Unit Item no.
Alkalinity standard solution, 500 mg/L as CaCO3 1 L 2826253
Bromphenol Blue Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 1455099
Buffer Powder Pillows, pH 4.50, 50 mL 25/pkg 89568
Buffer Powder Pillows, pH 8.30, 50 mL 25/pkg 89868
Bottle, wash, polyethylene, 500 mL each 62011
Water, deionized 500 mL 27249

Section 4 Ammonia

4.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Put the color disc on the center pin in the color comparator box (numbers to the front).
  • Use sunlight or a lamp as a light source to find the color match with the color comparator box.
  • Rinse the tubes with sample before the test. Rinse the tubes with deionized water after the test.
  • If the color match is between two segments, use the value that is in the middle of the two segments.
  • If the color disc becomes wet internally, pull apart the flat plastic sides to open the color disc.
    Remove the thin inner disc. Dry all parts with a soft cloth. Assemble when fully dry.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.
  • Fish metabolism and microbiological decay of organic matter cause ammonia to develop in fish waters. Refer to Calculate the mg/L NH3 on page 13 to determine how much of the ammonia is in the toxic, un-ionized form.
  • The Rochelle Salt Solution removes interference from high water hardness.

4.2 Test procedure—Ammonia nitrogen (0–3.0 mg/L NH3-N)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 9
1. Fill a tube to the first
line (5 mL) with
deionized water.		 2. Fill a second tube to
the first line (5 mL) with
sample.		 3. Add 1 drop of
Rochelle Salt Solution
to each tube. Swirl to
mix.		 4. Add 3 drops of
Nessler reagent to each
tube.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 10
5. Swirl to mix. A
yellow color develops.
Put a stopper on each
tube.		 6. Wait 10 minutes. 7. Put the first tube
(with deionized water)
into the left opening of
the color comparator
box.		 8. Put the second tube
into the color
comparator box.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 11
9. Hold the color
comparator box in front
of a light source. Turn
the color disc to find the
color match.		 10. Read the result in
mg/L in the scale
window.

4.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Nessler reagent 100 mL MDB 2119432
Color disc, ammonia nitrogen, Nessler, 0–3.0 mg/L each 9262600
Color comparator box each 173200
Plastic viewing tubes, 18 mm, with caps 4/pkg 4660004
Rochelle salt solution 29 mL DB 172533
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

4.4 Optional items

Description Unit Item no.
Nitrogen ammonia standard solution, 1.0 mg/L NH3–N 500 mL 189149
Water, deionized 500 mL 27249

4.5 Calculate the mg/L NH3

Ammonia in water is in the form of the ammonium ion (NH4+) and un-ionized ammonia (NH3). NH3 is toxic to fish. Table 3 shows that the percent of NH3 increases as the pH and temperature increase. This test kit measures NH4+ and NH3 as ammonia nitrogen (NH3—N).
To calculate the mg/L NH3 in the sample, refer to Table 3 and the equation that follows. mg/L NH3 = ((mg/L NH3—N x percent NH3 from Table 3) ÷ 100) x 1.2
Example: The test result is 1.6 mg/L NH3—N. The sample pH is 7.6 and the sample temperature is 16 °C. The mg/L NH3 is ((1.6 x 1.16) + 100) x 1.2 = 0.02 mg/L NH3.
To calculate the mg/L NH4+ in the sample, refer to Table 3 and the equation that follows. mg/L NH4+ = ((mg/L NH3—N x (100 — percent NH3 from Table 3)) ÷ 100) x 1.3
Example: The test result is 1.6 mg/L NH3—N. The sample pH is 7.6 and the sample temperature is 16 °C. The mg/L NH4+ is ((1.6 x (100 — 1.16)) + 100) x 1.3 = 2.056 mg/L NH4+.

Table 3 Percent of NH3 in water

pH 4°C 6°C 8°C 10°C 12°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 22°C 24°C 26°C 28°C 30°C 32°C
7.0 0.11 0.13 0.16 0.18 0.22 0.25 0.29 0.34 0.39 0.46 0.52 0.60 0.69 0.80 0.91
7. 0.18 0.21 0.25 0.29 0.34 0.40 0.46 0.54 0.62 0.82 0.83 0.96 1.10 1. 1.
7. 0.29 0.34 0.40 0.46 0.54 0.63 0.73 0.85 0.98 1. 1. 1.50 2. 2. 2.
8. 0.45 0.53 0.63 0.73 0.86 1.00 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3.10 4.
8. 0.72 0.84 0.99 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3. 3.70 4. 5. 5.
8.0 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3.30 4. 4. 5. 6. 7. 7. 8.
8. 2. 2.10 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5.90 7. 8. 8.80 10. 11. 13.
8. 2.80 3. 4. 4. 5. 6. 7. 7.90 9. 10. 12. 13. 15. 17. 19.
9. 4. 5.10 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 14. 15. 17. 19.50 22. 24. 26.80
9. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22. 25.00 28. 31. 34. 37.
9.0 10.30 11.90 14. 16. 18. 20. 23. 25. 28. 31.40 35. 38. 41. 45. 48.
9. 15. 18. 20. 23. 26. 29. 31.80 35. 39. 42. 46. 49. 53. 56. 59.
9. 22. 25. 28. 31.80 35. 39. 42. 46. 50. 53. 57. 60. 64. 67. 70.
10. 31. 35. 38. 42. 46. 50. 54. 58. 61. 65. 68. 71. 74. 76. 79.
10. 42.00 46.00 50.00 54. 58. 61. 65. 68. 71.40 74. 77. 79. 82. 84. 85.30
10.0 53. 57. 61. 65. 68. 72. 75. 77. 80. 82. 84. 86. 87. 89. 90.
10. 65. 68. 72. 75. 77. 80. 82. 84. 86. 88. 89. 90.60 92. 93. 94.

Section 5 Carbon dioxide

5.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Analyze samples immediately after collection.
  • Pour and mix the sample carefully to prevent the loss of carbon dioxide.
  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and flask with deionized water after the test. Rinse the graduated cylinder with sample before the test.
  • Dissolved carbon dioxide is in surface waters at concentrations less than 10 mg/L. Ground water can have higher concentrations. Fish may tolerate high concentrations of carbon dioxide if dissolved oxygen concentrations are also  high. Fish usually stay away from areas where the concentration of carbon dioxide is high. The relationship of carbon dioxide to fish respiration and photosynthesis causes daily fluctuations in the CO2 concentration. The  concentration usually increases during the night and decreases during the day. High concentrations of carbon dioxide may become toxic to fish when dissolved oxygen levels are very low.
  • Carbonic acid is a weak acid that forms from dissolved carbon dioxide and is the primary acid in natural waters. Natural waters can also include organic acids such as tannic acids and strong mineral acids such as sulfuric acid from  acid rain. If the sample contains sufficient quantities of acids other than carbonic acid, the test result will be higher than actual.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.

5.2 Test procedure—Carbon dioxide (mg/L CO2)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 12
1. Attach a 0.3636 N
Sodium Hydroxide
Titration Cartridge to
the Digital Titrator.
Insert a clean delivery
tube into the cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 13
5. Add one
Phenolphthalein
Powder Pillow. Swirl to
mix.		 6. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 7. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until a
pink color develops and
stays for 30 seconds.		 8. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
Divide the number by 5
to get the result in
mg/L.

5.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Cylinder, graduated, polypropylene, 100 mL each 108142
Delivery tube for Digital Titrator 5/pkg 1720500
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL each 50546
Phenolphthalein Indicator Powder Pillows 100/pkg 94299
Sodium Hydroxide Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.3636 N each 1437801
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

5.4 Optional items

Description Unit Item no.
Carbon dioxide standard solution, 100 mg/L as CO2 equivalent (KHP) 100 mL 226142
Bottle, wash, polyethylene, 500 mL each 62011
Water, deionized 500 mL 27249

Section 6 Chloride

6.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and flask with deionized water after the test. Rinse the graduated cylinder with sample before the test.
  • Undissolved reagent does not have an effect on test accuracy.
  • The chloride concentration in fish waters can be low or high. The concentration is usually higher near coastal regions. Measure chloride before and after salt is added to fish waters.
  • If the chloride concentration is more than 100 mg/L, dilute the sample with deionized or chloridefree water. For example, pour 50 mL of sample in the graduated cylinder and add deionized water to the 100-mL mark. Use the  diluted sample in the test procedure, then multiply the result by 2.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.
  • To record the test result as mg/L sodium chloride (NaCl), multiply the chloride result by 1.65.

6.2 Test procedure—Chloride (mg/L Cl–)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 14
1. Attach a 0.2256 N
Mercuric Nitrate
Titration Cartridge to
the Digital Titrator.
Insert a clean delivery
tube into the cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 15
5. Add one
Diphenylcarbazone
Reagent Powder Pillow.
Swirl to mix.		 6. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 7. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until a
pink color develops and
stays for 30 seconds.		 8. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
Divide the number by
10 to get the result in
mg/L.

6.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Cylinder, graduated, polypropylene, 100 mL each 108142
Delivery tube for Digital Titrator 5/pkg 1720500
Diphenylcarbazone Reagent Powder Pillows 100/pkg 83699
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL each 50546
Mercuric Nitrate Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.2256 N each 1439301
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

6.4 Optional items

Description Unit Item no.
Chloride standard solution, 100 mg/L Cl 1000 mL 2370853
Water, deionized 500 mL 27249

Section 7 Dissolved oxygen

7.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • To collect the sample from a faucet, let the sample overflow the bottle for 2 to 3 minutes. To collect the sample from a tank or pond, hold the bottle with the stopper in the water, then remove the stopper and let the bottle fill. Remove and drain the bottle, add the stopper and fill the bottle again.
    Collect the water samples at different locations and water depths for best results.
  • Air bubbles cause incorrect results. To prevent air bubbles below the stopper, tilt the bottle and tap the stopper quickly on the bottle neck. Look below the stopper to make sure that there are no air bubbles.
  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and bottle with deionized water after the test. Rinse the bottle with sample before the test.
  • Keep the sodium thiosulfate away from direct sunlight.
  • If the sample contains high concentrations of chloride (e.g., sea water) the floc that develops in the bottle does not fall. Wait 4 or 5 minutes after the floc develops, then continue the test.
  • Measure the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration frequently to help monitor the health of fish and other organisms. The primary source of oxygen in fish waters comes from photosynthesis by phytoplankton. The dissolved oxygen  concentration changes with fluctuations in the temperature, sunlight, atmospheric pressure, salinity, plant life and water turbulence. Refer to Table 4 on page 21.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.
  • For a more sensitive test, pour off 35 mL of the prepared sample into the 100-mL graduated cylinder, then titrate the 25-mL sample that stays in the 60-mL bottle. Divide the number of digits by 100 to get the test result in mg/L.
  •  As an alternative to the titration test procedure, use a portable dissolved oxygen meter with an electrode. A dissolved oxygen meter automatically adjusts the measurement for temperature, barometric pressure, altitude and salinity.

7.2 Test procedure—Dissolved oxygen (0–10 mg/L O2)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 16
1. Attach a 0.0250 N
Sodium Thiosulfate
Titration Cartridge to
the Digital Titrator.
Insert a clean delivery
tube into the cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Hold the DO bottle
with the stopper in the
sample water. Remove
the stopper and let the
bottle fill to the top.
Keep the bottle in the
water.		 4. Tap the stopper
quickly on the bottle
neck. Remove the
bottle from the water.
Make sure that no air
bubbles are trapped in
the bottle.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 17
5. Add one Dissolved
Oxygen 1 Powder
Pillow and one
Dissolved Oxygen 2
Powder Pillow.		 6. Immediately put the
stopper on the bottle.
Make sure that no air
bubbles are below the
stopper. Shake the
bottle vigorously.		 7. A brown-orange floc
develops. The floc
slowly falls. Wait until
the top half of the bottle
is clear.		 8. Shake the bottle
again. Wait until the top
half of the bottle is
clear.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 18
9. Remove the stopper.
Add one Dissolved
Oxygen 3 Powder
Pillow.		 10. Immediately put the
stopper on the bottle.
Shake the bottle. The
floc dissolves and a
yellow color develops.		 11. Pour the prepared
sample into the
graduated cylinder to
the 50‑mL mark.		 12. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
bottle. Turn the knob on
the Digital Titrator to
add titrant to the
solution. Continue to
swirl the bottle. Add
titrant until the color is
pale yellow.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 19
13. Add 2 drops of
Starch Indicator
Solution. Swirl to mix. A
blue color develops.		 14. Continue the
titration until the color
changes from blue to
colorless.		 15. Record the number
of digits on the counter.
Divide the number by
40 to get the result in
mg/L.

7.3 Solubility of oxygen in water
Table 4 shows the solubility of oxygen in water at different temperatures and barometric pressures (salinity = 0 ppt). For example, at 15 °C and 760 mm Hg, the solubility is 10.08 mg/L O2.
Table 4 Oxygen solubility in water (mg/L) at different temperatures and pressures

T Barometric pressure (mm Hg)
°C 600 625 650 675 700 725 750 760
10 9. 9. 10. 10. 10. 11. 11. 11.
11 9. 9. 9. 10. 10. 11. 11. 11.
12 8. 9. 9.20 10. 10. 10. 11. 11.
13 8. 9. 9. 9. 10. 10. 10.40 11.
14 8.10 8. 9. 9. 9. 10. 10. 10.
15 8. 8. 8.60 9. 9. 10. 10. 10.
16 8. 8. 8. 9. 9. 9. 10. 10.
17 8. 8. 8. 9. 9. 9. 10. 10.
18 7. 8. 8. 8. 8.70 9. 9. 9.
19 7. 8. 8. 8. 9. 9. 9. 9.
20 7. 7. 8. 8. 8. 9. 9. 9.
21 7. 7. 8. 8. 8. 8. 9. 9.
22 7. 7. 7. 8. 8. 8. 9. 9.
23 7. 7. 7.30 8. 8. 8. 8. 9.
24 7. 7. 7. 7. 8. 8. 8.30 8.
25 6. 7. 7. 7. 8. 8. 8. 8.
26 6. 7. 6.90 7. 7. 8. 8.00 8.
27 6. 6.50 7. 7. 7. 8. 8. 8.
28 6. 6. 7. 7. 7. 7. 8. 8.
29 6. 6. 7. 6.80 7. 7. 8. 8.
30 5.90 6. 6. 7. 7. 7.20 7. 8.

7.4 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Section 8 Hardness, Total

8.1 Test preparation
CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Discard or clean the delivery tube immediately after use so the titrant does not dry and clog the tube. To clean, use a syringe or wash bottle to push water, then air through the tube.
  • Keep the cap on the titration cartridge when not in use.
  • Rinse the graduated cylinder and flask with deionized water after the test. Rinse the graduated cylinder with sample before the test.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a standard solution as the sample.
  • If the sample color is blue after the indicator is added, the water is soft.
  • Calcium and magnesium are the most abundant ions that contribute to hardness in natural waters.
    Other divalent ions also contribute to hardness, but the effects are usually negligible in natural waters. Treatment may be necessary when the total hardness values are low or significantly different from total alkalinity.

8.2 Test procedure—Hardness (mgL CaCO3)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 20
1. Attach a 0.800 M
EDTA Titration
Cartridge to the Digital
Titrator. Insert a clean
delivery tube into the
cartridge.		 2. Hold the Digital
Titrator with the
cartridge tip up. Turn
the delivery knob to
eject air and a few
drops of titrant. Reset
the counter to zero and
wipe the tip.		 3. Fill a clean 100‑mL
graduated cylinder to
the 100‑mL mark with
the sample.		 4. Pour the sample into
a clean, 250‑mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 21
5. Use the 1‑mL
dropper two times to
add 2 mL of the
Hardness 1 Buffer
Solution. Swirl to mix.		 6. Add one ManVer 2
Reagent Powder Pillow.
Swirl to mix.		 7. Put the end of the
delivery tube fully into
the solution. Swirl the
flask.		 8. Turn the knob on the
Digital Titrator to add
titrant to the solution.
Continue to swirl the
flask. Add titrant until
the color changes from
pink to pure blue.

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 22

9. Record the number of digits on the counter. The number of digits is the concentration in mg/L.

8.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Cylinder, graduated, polypropylene, 100 mL each 108142
Delivery tube for Digital Titrator 5/pkg 1720500
EDTA Digital Titrator Cartridge, 0.800 M each 1439901
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL each 50546
Hardness 1 Buffer Solution 100 mL MDB 42432
ManVer 2 Hardness Indicator Powder Pillows, 50 mL sample 100/pkg 85199
Water, deionized 100 mL 27242

Section 9 Nitrite

CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Put the color disc on the center pin in the color comparator box (numbers to the front).
  • Use sunlight or a lamp as a light source to find the color match with the color comparator box.
  • Rinse the tubes with sample before the test. Rinse the tubes with deionized water after the test.
  • If the color match is between two segments, use the value that is in the middle of the twosegments.
  • If the color disc becomes wet internally, pull apart the flat plastic sides to open the color disc.
    Remove the thin inner disc. Dry all parts with a soft cloth. Assemble when fully dry.
  • Undissolved reagent does not have an effect on test accuracy.
  • If the sample contains more than 0.5 mg/L nitrite-nitrogen, dilute the sample as follows. Use the dropper to add 1 mL of sample to each tube. Dilute the sample to the 5-mL mark with deionized water. Use the diluted sample in the test procedure and multiply the result by 5.
  • To record the test result as mg/L NO2–, multiply the test result by 3.33.
  • Nitrite-nitrogen develops during the biological decomposition of organic nitrogen compounds.
    Nitrites are quickly oxidized to nitrates and are not usually found in surface waters. Levels of nitrite more than the natural residual amounts can be acutely poisonous to fish.

9.2 Test procedure—Nitrite-nitrogen LR (0–0.4 mg/L NO2–N)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 23
1. Fill two tubes to the
first line (5 mL) with
sample.		 2. Put one tube into the
left opening of the color
comparator box.		 3. Add one NitriVer
3 Nitrite Reagent
Powder Pillow to the
second tube.		 4. Put a cap on the
tube. Shake for
1 minute. A pink color
develops.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 24
5. Wait 10 minutes.
Read the result within
15 minutes.		 6. Put the second tube
into the color
comparator box.		 7. Hold the color
comparator box in front
of a light source. Turn
the color disc to find the
color match.		 8. Read the result in
mg/L in the scale
window.

9.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
NitriVer®  3 Nitrite Reagent Powder Pillows, 5 mL 100/pkg 1407899
Color disc, nitrite nitrogen, 0–0.4 mg/L each 9262300
Color comparator box each 173200
Plastic viewing tubes, 18 mm, with caps 4/pkg 4660004

9.4 Optional items

Description Unit Item no.
Caps for plastic viewing tubes (4660004) 4/pkg 4660014
Dropper, glass, 0.5- and 1.0-mL marks 5/pkg 1419705
Glass viewing tubes, 18 mm 6/pkg 173006
Stoppers for 18-mm glass tubes and AccuVac Ampuls 6/pkg 173106
Water, deionized 500 mL 27249

Section 10 pH

CAUTION
Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used. Use the recommended personal protective equipment.

  • Put the color disc on the center pin in the color comparator box (numbers to the front).
  • Use sunlight or a lamp as a light source to find the color match with the color comparator box.
  • Rinse the tubes with sample before the test. Rinse the tubes with deionized water after the test.
  • If the color match is between two segments, use the value that is in the middle of the two segments.
  • If the color disc becomes wet internally, pull apart the flat plastic sides to open the color disc.
    Remove the thin inner disc. Dry all parts with a soft cloth. Assemble when fully dry.
  • To verify the test accuracy, use a buffer solution as the sample.
  • Chlorine can interfere with the test. To remove chlorine from the sample, add 1 drop of sodium thiosulfate solution to 5 mL of sample and mix. Use this dechlorinated sample in the test procedure. One drop of the sodium thiosulfate  removes a maximum of 50 mg/L chlorine from the sample.
  • The pH of water is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration on a scale of 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with pH 7 being neutral. The pH of most natural waters ranges from pH 4 to pH 9. Dissolved carbon dioxide,  carbonates, bicarbonates and acid rain cause changes in the pH.
    Phytoplankton and other aquatic plant life remove carbon dioxide from the water during photosynthesis, which causes the pH to increase during the day. To make an estimate of the pH cycle of a body of water, make pH  measurements at different times of the day. The best pH values for fish production measured at sunrise are approximately 6.5 to 9. The acid and alkaline death points for most fish are approximately pH 4 and pH 11.

10.2 Test procedure—pH (4–10 pH units)

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 25
1. Fill two tubes to the
first line (5 mL) with
sample.		 2. Put one tube into the
left opening of the color
comparator box.		 3. Add 6 drops of wide
range pH indicator
solution to the second
tube.		 4. Swirl to mix.
HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - Figure 26
5. Put the second tube
into the color
comparator box.		 6. Hold the color
comparator box in front
of a light source. Turn
the color disc to find the
color match.		 7. Read the result in
pH units in the scale
window.

10.3 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Wide range pH indicator solution 100 mL MDB 2329332
Color disc, pH, wide range each 990100
Color comparator box each 173200
Plastic viewing tubes, 18 mm, with caps 4/pkg 4660004

Section 11 Temperature

Temperature has a large effect on the chemical and biological systems in water. Lower temperatures decrease the growth rates of fish and fish food organisms but increase the solubility of oxygen.
Higher temperatures increase the use of dissolved oxygen by aquatic life but decrease the solubility of oxygen.
Different temperature zones occur in natural waters because the density of water changes with temperature. Fish can adjust to different temperature zones if the temperature changes slowly.
Sudden changes in water temperature can kill fish. Make sure to record the depth where the temperature is measured.

11.1 Replacement items
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to the company website for contact information.

Description Unit Item no.
Thermometer, dual range, –10 to 110 °C, 0 to 220 °F, non-mercury each 2676400

Section 12 Parts per million conversions

Refer to Table 5 to find the conversions from parts per million (ppm) to proportion and percent. In water, ppm (mg/kg) is equivalent to mg/L because 1 liter of water weighs 1 kg.
Table 5 Parts per million conversions

Parts per million Proportion Percent (%)
0.1 1:10.000.000 0.00001
0.5 1:2.000.000 0.00005
1.0 1:1.000.000 0.0001
2.0 1:500.000 0.0002
3.0 1:333.333 0.0003
4.0 1:250.000 0.0004
5.0 1:200.000 0.0005
10.0 1:100.000 0.001
15.0 1:66.667 0.0015
20.0 1:50.000 0.002
25.0 1:40.000 0.0025
50.0 1:20.000 0.005
100.0 1:10.000 0.01
150.0 1:6.667 0.015
200.0 1:5.000 0.02
250.0 1:4.000 0.025
500.0 1:2.000 0.05
1.000.0 1:1000 0.1
5.000.0 1:200 0.5
10.000.0 1:100 1.0
50.000.0 1:20 5.0

HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - icon 1HACH COMPANY World Headquarters
P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539-0389 U.S.A.
Tel. 970-669-3050
800-227-4224 (U.S.A. only)
Fax 970-669-2932
[email protected]
www.hach.com 
HACH LANGE GMBH
Willstätterstraße 11
D-40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 2 11 52 88-320
Fax +49 (0) 2 11 52 88-210
[email protected]
www.de.hach.com
HACH LANGE Sàrl
6, route de Compois
1222 Vésenaz
SWITZERLAND
Tel. +41 22 594 6400
Fax +41 22 594 6499HACH FF-2 Fish Farming Water Quality Test Kit - barcode

©Hach Company/Hach Lange GmbH, 2017, 2022.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

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