Instant Ocean Saltwater
ReefMaster Test Kit
pH Test
Range: 7.8 to 8.6
Use: Monitor pH and identify the need for water changes or the addition of buffer to maintain proper pH.
In addition to nitrate, aquarium nitrification (conditioning) also produces acid. The acid depletes buffers and results in steadily decreasing pH levels. If uncorrected, pH levels will fall below the "safe" range of 8.0 to 8.4. The ReefMaster Test Kit monitors pH levels, helping you to maintain an ideal level of 8.1 to 8.3.
Directions for use:- Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
- Empty one foil test packet into test chamber.
- Cap and shake until dissolved.
- Compare prepared sample to pH color chip (purple).
- Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.
Nitrate Test
Range: 0 to 100 milligrams/liter Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO-
3-N)
Use: Monitor general water quality in conditioned aquariums.
Though not significantly toxic, nitrate does accumulate in the aquarium at a rate proportional to the biological load of the system. Nitrate can prove harmful to corals and invertebrates. The ReefMaster Test Kit provides a means to keep track of general water quality in your reef aquarium.
Directions for use:- Rinse test chamber with water to be tested. Fill test chamber to "Water Line."
- Empty one foil test packet into test chamber.
- Cap and shake vigorously for one minute. Note: Small amount of test chemical will not dissolve initially. This is normal.
- Wait 3 minutes. Compare the nitrate color chip (brown).
- Clean cap and sample tester with fresh water.
Alkalinity Test
Range: 0 to 5.0 milliequivalents/liter
Use: Measure the alkalinity and or buffer levels in a marine aquarium.
There are three main causes of alkalinity decline in the marine aquarium. 1) During nitrification, toxic ammonia (the result of the breakdown of food and waste) is biologically converted to harmless nitrate and produces an acid. The acid reacts with carbonate/bicarbonate ions, resulting in the gradual loss of buffering capacity and decline in pH. 2) When certain substrate (e.g., crushed coral or dolomite) is first added to an aquarium, it tends to precipitate carbonate/bicarbonate ions from the water, which may cause a sudden and significant drop in alkalinity and pH. 3) Live corals and coralline algae remove carbonate ions and combine them with calcium ions to form the hard skeletal structures.
In all three cases, a 25-30% water change or the addition of buffer/alkalinity will stabilize levels and ensure a buffer level adequate for maintaining a thriving marine aquarium.
Recommended Alkalinity Levels:
Fish-Only Marine Aquariums: 2.5 to 4.0 mEq/L;
Reef Aquariums: 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L
If the alkalinity level tests above 2.5 and ph is low, check for excessive carbon dioxide buildup. Transfer one gallon of aquarium water to a bucket and aerate vigorously for 12-18 hours. Then compare aquarium pH to the aerated sample pH. If the sample pH is higher than the aquarium pH, excess carbon dioxide is accumulating in the aquarium.
To correct: Increase aquarium aeration or decrease biological load.
Use of a calcium reactor may also cause low pH. When carbon dioxide is used to dissolve calcium carbonate in aquarium water, the residual carbon dioxide can lower pH. An inappropriately adjusted calcium reactor can lower pH even further.
To correct: 1) Make sure your calcium reactor is properly adjusted. 2) Increase aquarium aeration with a two-stage reactor or decrease biological load.
Directions for use:
Standard Test - Routine Monitoring- Fill small measuring vial with water to be tested.
- Pour into larger Titration Vial.
- Holding Titration bottle upside down in a vertical position, add Reagent - one drop at a time to Titration Vial and swirl to mix. Initial color should be blue. Note: If initial color is yellow, empty vial and follow Precision Test Guidelines.
- Count the number of drops until sample color turns yellow-green.
- Divide number of total drops by 2 to obtain milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of alkalinity.
Precision Test- Fill small Measuring Vial with water to be tested.
- Pour into larger Titration Vial. Repeat process.
- Add Reagent - one drop at a time to Titration Vial. Swirl to mix.
- Count the number of drops until sample color turns yellow-green.
- Divide the number of drops by 4 to obtain milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of alkalinity.
| Alkalinity mEq/L | Multiplier | Unit of Measure |
| mEq/L | X 50 | = Parts per Million (ppm) CaCO3 |
| mEq/L | X 2.8 | = German Degrees Carbonate Hardness (ºDKH) |
| mEq/L | X 3.5 | = English Degrees Carbonate Hardness |
| mEq/L | X 5.0 | = French Degrees Carbonate Hardness |
| mEq/L | X 2.92 | = Gains per Gallon CaCO3 |
