Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarian Freshwater GH & KH Test Kit
Tests tap water and freshwater aquariums for general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH). Helps detect stress on fish caused by rapid pH shifts, which result from low KH levels and helps aquarists duplicate the natural habitat of their fish.KH & GH Test Instructions:What is Carbonate Hardness (KH)?Carbonate hardness (also known as alkalinity) is the measure of carbonate (CO32-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ion concentrations dissolved in water. These minerals are present in municipal, well, and bottled spring water. The level of carbonate hardness in tap and bottled water depends on the source of the water and the treatment processes it has undergone. Carbonate hardness helps stabilize pH in the aquarium. An aquarium with a low KH level (50 ppm or less) will tend to be acidic. Aquariums with very low KH are subject to rapid pH shifts, if not monitored carefully. Water with a high KH level (= 200 ppm) usually has a high pH. The Aquarium Pharmaceuticals KH (Carbonate Hardness) Test measures KH in German degrees (dKH). To convert dKH to parts per million (ppm), multiply dKH x 17.9.Directions for Testing Carbonate Hardness (KH):  Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium. To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.  Rinse a clean test tube with water to be tested. Fill the test tube with 5 ml of aquarium water (to the line on the test tube). Add Carbonate Hardness Test Solution, one drop at a time, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops. After first drop is added, solution will turn blue. If the water sample contains only 1dKH, the solution will turn from clear to its yellow endpoint after the first drop is added. Cap the test tube and invert several times after each drop. Keep count of