The carbonate hardness (KH) or alkalinity of a water sample refers to the buffer capacity, i.e. the ability to maintain the pH value of the water. In water chemistry, various terms describe buffering capacity with different definitions. In aquariums, the term "carbonate hardness" is common; the measurement relates to the alkalinity. In this test, the two terms are synonymous. As a rule, carbonate hardness is expressed in degrees of German hardness (°dH).
The carbonate hardness must be checked very regularly in all aquariums. Low alkalinity in the aquarium can lead to a drop in pH value that is fatal for many fish and invertebrates. In coral aquariums, the carbonate hardness must be sufficient to ensure vigorous growth of corals. On the other hand, too high a carbonate hardness in a saltwater pool can lead to lime deposits and harm the growth of corals. In a saltwater aquarium, the carbonate hardness should be between 6 and 9 °dH. In freshwater aquaria the carbonate hardness should not be less than 3 °dH.
The Tropic Marin ® KH-Test allows the rapid control of the carbonate hardness of the water in your aquariums. The functional layout of the analyzer box allows for very simple handling.
Advantages :
| • | Measuring range: 1 – 20 °dH |
| • | Accuracy: 0.5/1°dH |
| • | For determination of carbonate hardness in aquaria |
| • | Sufficient for about 100 applications |
| • | The indication is given in degrees of German hardness (°dH) – conversion table for other units in the included instructions |
Manual :
| 1. | Before use, shake the dropper bottle well! |
| 2. | Rinse the glass bowl several times with tap water, then with aquarium water. |
| 3. | Using the dosing syringe, precisely pour 5 ml of aquarium water into the glass bowl. |
| 4. | Now add the KH test reagent drop by drop (after each drop shake the cuvette) until the color of the solution changes from TURQUOISE to PINK. |
| 5. | The number of drops indicates the total carbonate hardness of the solution in °dH, for example, 8 drops = 8 °dH. To increase the precision of the measurement, it is possible to use a water sample of 10 ml (rather than 5 ml). In this case, 1 drop = 0.5°dH, so for example, 15 drops = 7.5°dH. |
| 6. | After the measurement process is complete, rinse the glass cuvette and syringe thoroughly with tap water. |
Actions to take
If the carbonate hardness values are too low and need to be increased, we recommend for seawater to use Tropic Marin ® TRIPLE BUFFER or LIQUID BUFFER . If the carbonate hardness of the saltwater aquarium is too high, we recommend using Tropic Marin ® ALCA-BALANCE .
Durability and storage: 6 months after the start. Store in a dark and cool place.
