The Salifert Organics (Org / “Organics” / “Profi-Test Org”) kit is a test set designed to give an impression of the pollution of aquarium water by various organic compounds, including phenols and other organic substances not easily removed by filtration or protein skimming.

The kit is usable in both freshwater and marine / reef aquaria.

Organic compounds, such as phenols and humic acids, can accumulate in aquarium water due to biological processes, uneaten food, and waste. These substances are often resistant to removal by standard filtration methods like protein skimming, biological filtration, or activated carbon. Their accumulation can lead to eutrophication, resulting in decreased water clarity and overall water quality deterioration .

Monitoring the levels of organic pollutants is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. Elevated concentrations of refractory organics can stress aquatic life and promote undesirable algal blooms. Regular testing allows aquarists to assess the effectiveness of their filtration systems and take corrective actions when necessary .

Measurement Capability: Semi-quantitative assessment of refractory organic compounds, including phenolics and humic substances

Sensitivity: Designed to detect organic pollution levels that may not be apparent through other testing methods

Test Count: Provides approximately 50 tests per kit, depending on the degree of contamination 

Applicability: Suitable for both marine and freshwater aquariums

Unique Offering: Salifert is among the few manufacturers offering a test kit specifically for refractory organic compounds 

Usage Recommendations:

Routine Monitoring: Regularly test for organic pollutants, especially in systems with high bioloads or where water clarity issues are observed.

Post-Maintenance Checks: After significant maintenance or changes in filtration, assess organic levels to ensure system stability.

Filtration Assessment: Use test results to evaluate the effectiveness of filtration methods and make necessary adjustments.

The Salifert Organics Profi Test Kit provides aquarists with a valuable tool for assessing and managing organic pollution, contributing to the overall health and clarity of aquarium systems.

The test doesn’t isolate or quantify any single organic molecule (e.g. a specific phenol) but rather gives a broad indication of “organic load / pollution” from a mixture of compounds (e.g. phenols, humic substances, dissolved organics).

Because many organic compounds are not removed fully by standard methods (protein skimming, activated carbon), this test helps assess how “dirty” the water is in terms of residual organics.

The result is expressed by the number of drops of reagent (Org-2) needed to change the color to a faint yellow, in comparison with a control vial. The more drops needed, the higher the organic pollution.

• 1 drop → very low pollution
• 2 drops → moderate / possibly problematic
• 3 or more drops → elevated pollution, poorer water quality

Because it is semi-quantitative, it is best used for trend monitoring (i.e. is the organic load increasing or decreasing?) rather than for absolute accuracy.

To use the Salifert Organics Test Kit, begin by filling two small test vials with 4 milliliters of aquarium water using the provided syringe. One vial will serve as the control sample, while the other will be the test sample. Place them side by side so you can easily compare colors later.

Next, add three drops of the first reagent, Org-1, to the test vial only. Swirl the vial gently for about five seconds to mix, then let it sit undisturbed for around fifteen minutes. This step allows the reagent to react with any interfering substances in the water.

After the waiting period, start adding the second reagent, Org-2, to the test vial one drop at a time. After each drop, swirl the vial for about ten seconds and wait another twenty seconds before comparing the color of the test vial to the control vial against a white background. Continue this process until the color of the test sample turns into a faint yellow that closely matches the control vial.

The total number of Org-2 drops required to achieve this color change is your test result. Fewer drops mean lower organic pollution, while more drops indicate higher levels of dissolved organics. To ensure accuracy, always perform the test under consistent lighting, use clean equipment, and make sure the reagents are at room temperature.

Strengths:

• Gives a relatively easy, low-cost way to monitor organic load in the aquarium.

• Works for both fresh and saltwater systems.

• Helps detect when organics are accumulating beyond what your filtration/skimmed / carbon can handle.

Limitations: 

• It is not precise in absolute units (mg/L); semi-quantitative only.

• Many different organic substances contribute, so it is not diagnostic for which specific compound is high.

• Some interference or background substances may affect color evolution or baseline.

• The reading is subjective (color judgment), so small changes may be ambiguous.

• It’s less commonly used / less popular than tests for discrete ions (nitrate, phosphate, etc.), so community experiences indicate that some find it finicky.

• Because the color change endpoint is faint, small differences in observer perception can lead to variation.

Practical Tips :

• Always test at the same time of day and under similar lighting to reduce variation.

• Rinse vials thoroughly and avoid residual reagents or contaminants.

• Use fresh reagents, and mind expiry dates and storage (reagents degrade over time).

• If readings are high or rising, steps to reduce organics include: reducing feed, increasing water changes, improving skimming, using activated carbon or other adsorbents, ensuring proper biological filtration.

• Use this test in conjunction with other water quality tests (nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, etc.), not as a substitute.