Description

CARBONATE HARDNESS (KH) TEST KIT INSTRUCTIONS

Why Do CARBONATE HARDNESS Tests?
Rarely does tap water offer the ideal water qualities needed to keep an aquarium healthy. Certain sources of tap water have extremely low KH (less than 3 ºdKH), which can contribute to the aquarium’s large pH fluctuations. Furthermore, hardness ions are left behind by evaporated water.Topping off with tap water merely increases the amount of minerals in the tank, which causes the GH to rise steadily. Thus, in order to keep an eye on the quality of the water and avoid stressful situations, it is essential to test the KH.
Testing Tips
The well-being of aquarium and pond dwellers and the healthy growth of aquatic plants depend to a large extent on the KH level being kept as constant as possible. The carbonate hardness is one of the most important water values since it keeps the pH level stable. The KH should never drop below 4 °dKH.
Directions
Remove safety cap:
1. Fill a clean test vials with 4 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the vials).
2. Add 1 drop of the reagent No. 1 to the sample and shake well. The sample solution turns blueish green.Use a 1-ml syringe to draw 1ml of No. 2 reagent and add it dropwise into the water sample while shake 2-3 seconds after adding each drop. When the color of sample solution changes from blueish green to pink, record the volume added. The value of dKH/ALK can be obtained from the table.

PRECAUTIONS:

1.Shake the reagent well before use. This test reagent is suitable for fresh water and sea water.

2. Rinse the syringe and test cup with purified water immediately after use.

Recommended KH Levels
Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): 5-12 °dKH
Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: 7-20 °dKH
Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): 3-8 °dKH
Marine aquarium: 7-10 °dKH
Pond: 7-10 °dKH
Adjusting KH Levels in Aquariums

To lower KH, partial water changes might be employed. Use AQUANATURE WATER KH+ to raise KH.