Tropic Marin Tropic Marin Carbonate Hardness Test

Product Description

Tropic Marin KH/Alkalinity Test - 100 tests included

The Tropic Marin KH/Alkalinity Test is an easy-to-use water test for your saltwater aquarium. It includes everything (solution + accessories) you need to successfully measure your carbonate hardness (KH).
The water test is easy to use and provides accurate results.

Tropic Marin KH/Alkalinity Test - For Determining Carbonate Hardness

The carbonate hardness (KH) or alkalinity of a water sample characterizes its buffering capacity, i.e., its ability to maintain the water’s pH level. In water chemistry, there are several terms used to describe buffering capacity, each with different definitions. In the aquarium hobby, the term “carbonate hardness” is commonly used; however, it is alkalinity that is actually measured. In this test, both terms are used interchangeably. Carbonate hardness is usually expressed in degrees of German hardness (°dH).

Carbonate hardness should be checked regularly in all aquariums. If the alkalinity in the aquarium is too low, it can lead to a drop in pH (acidity spike) that is life-threatening for many fish and invertebrates. In reef aquariums, sufficient carbonate hardness is essential for vigorous coral growth. On the other hand, excessively high carbonate hardness in saltwater tanks can lead to calcium precipitation and also negatively affect coral growth. In a saltwater aquarium, carbonate hardness should be between 6 and 9 °dH. In freshwater aquariums, carbonate hardness should not fall below 3 °dH.

The Tropic Marin® KH Test allows you to quickly check the carbonate hardness of your aquarium water. Thanks to the test kit’s user-friendly design, you can achieve high accuracy with the simplest of procedures.

Recommended Use

1. Shake the dropper bottle before use!

    

2. Rinse the glass cuvette with tap water and then several times with aquarium water.

    

3. Using the dosing syringe, fill the glass cuvette with exactly 5 ml of aquarium water.

    

4. Now add the KH test reagent drop by drop (shaking the cuvette after each drop) until the color of the solution changes from TURQUOISE BLUE to PINK.

    

5. The number of drops indicates the carbonate hardness of the solution in °dH; for example, 8 drops = 8 °dH. To increase the accuracy of the measurement, you can use a 10-ml water sample (instead of 5 ml). In this case, 1 drop = 0.5 °dH; for example, 15 drops = 7.5 °dH.

    

6. After the measurement, rinse the glass cuvette and syringe thoroughly with tap water.

Shelf Life

The reagents are stable for 6 months after opening. Store in a cool, dark place. You can find the complete user manual as a PDF document here: KH/Alkalinity Test