Aquarium Pharmaceuticals GH/KH Test Kit

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Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phosphate
Test Kit

Directions for Testing Phosphate
STEP 1
Fill the test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
STEP 2
Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #1 to the test tube. Hold the dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position for uniform drops.
STEP 3
Cap and shake the test tube vigorously for 5 seconds.
STEP 4
Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #2. Cap and shake the test tube vigorously for 5 seconds.
STEP 5
Wait 3 minutes for full color to develop. After 3 minutes, read the test results by matching the test solution against the appropriate Phosphate Test Color Chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of total phosphate (PO3-4) in the water sample.
Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.
FAQ's about Phosphate
What is phosphate?
Phosphorous is an essential element for plants and animals. Phosphorus, measured as phosphate (PO3-4), enters the aquarium from fish and invertebrate waste and decaying organic matter, such as dead algae and uneaten fish food. Water treatment facilities may add phosphate to tap water to prevent pipe corrosion and reduce concentrations of heavy metals in drinking water.
What level of phosphate is safe?
While phosphate is not harmful to fish, the phosphate level should be zero in saltwater aquariums and freshwater aquariums, including those containing live plants. The phosphate level in a new aquarium will depend on the purity of the water used to fill the aquarium. The phosphate level in tap water can vary daily depending on the treatment process used. Phosphate tends to accumulate in established aquariums.
Why test for phosphate?
While phosphate is required by fish and plants, too much phosphate can lead to cloudy water conditions. In saltwater aquariums, phosphate precipitates dissolved calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, inhibiting the growth of hard corals and other reef-building organisms. I have a high phosphate level. What should I do?
In a freshwater or saltwater aquarium use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phos-Zorb (item #111334). Phos-Zorb is a filtration material that removes phosphate. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrate level, especially if the initial phosphate level is very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain phosphate, it can be difficult to lower phosphate levels by this method. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter (item #148750) will remove pollutants, including phosphate, from tap water, making water changes effective.

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Aquarium Pharmaceuticals GH/KH Test Kit

Directions for Testing Carbonate Hardness (KH):

• Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.
• Remove childproof safety cap using one hand to push red tab 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. Hold dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniform drops. After first drop is added, solution will turn blue (If the water sample contains only 1°dKH, 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. Count the number of drops being added. Do not hold finger over open end of the tube, as this may affect the test results.
• The test is completed when the water in the test tube, after having been shaken, turns from blue to yellow. If you have difficulty discerning the color after the first drop of test solution is added, remove the cap from the test tube and while holding it over a white background, look down through the tube.
• The Carbonate Hardness value is determined by the number of drops of the reagent that must be added to turn the water in the test tube bright yellow. Each drop is equal to 1 °dKH or 17.9 ppm KH.

Directions for Testing General Hardness (GH):

• Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.
• Remove childproof safety cap using one hand to push red tab left 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 General Hardness Test Solution, one drop at a time. Hold dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniform drops. After first drop is added, solution will turn orange (If the water sample contains only 1°dGH, the solution will turn from clear to its green endpoint after the first drop is added).
• Cap the test tube and invert several times after each drop. Keep count of the drops being added. Do not hold finger over open end of the tube, as this may affect the test results.
• The test is completed when the water in the test tube, after having been shaken, turns from orange to green. If you have difficulty discerning the color after the first drop of test solution is added, remove the cap from the test tube and while holding it over a white background, look down through the tube.
• The number of drops of the reagent that must be added to turn the water in the test tube green determines the General Hardness value. Each drop is equal to 1 °dGH or 17.9 ppm GH.

General lnformation
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. What is General Hardness (GH)?
General hardness is the measure of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ion concentrations dissolved in water. These minerals are present in municipal, well, and bottled spring water. The level of general hardness in tap and bottled water depends on the source of the water and the treatment processes it has undergone. Hard water (= 200 ppm) is high in calcium and magnesium, while soft water (50 to 100 ppm) is low in these minerals. The Aquarium Pharmaceuticals GH (General Hardness) Test measures GH in German degrees (°dGH). To convert °dGH to parts per million (ppm), multiply °dGH x 17.9.