TETRAtest GH / KH General and Carbonate Hardness Kit
General Hardness:
The general hardness (GH) of water is a measure of the concentration of divalent cations (2+) present (primarily calcium and magnesium). The general hardness of your water has a direct influence on the regulatory functions of fish (fish skin, gills, and eggs), plants and microorganisms. A favorable GH value for most ornamental fish between 6° and 16° dH (degrees of German hardness). Often forgotten or lost in significance to testing pH, ammonia, and nitrite, General Hardness is vital to selecting fish suitable to local water supplies or testing the performance of advanced filtration methods including reverse osmosis or deionization. This kit contains one 10-ml test reagent, a test vial and instructions and recommendations.
Note:
For Freshwater Only.
Carbonate Hardness (aka - Alkalinity, Buffering Capacity):
Alkalinity or Carbonate Hardness (KH) is a measure of the buffering capacity of water, or its ability to resist change in pH. Water which is low in alkalinity is subject to quick and sudden pH changes in the presence of other chemicals and natural metabolic activities. The most important change effect being a gradual but continuous decline in alkalinity as it buffers or negates the acidifying effects created during the conversion of ammonia ---> nitrite ----> nitrate. Aquariums where alkalinity is allowed to drop too long or too low, often result in a situation where the pH then "crashes" to levels below 5.0 - leading to very inefficient or total loss of biological filtration and direct irritation or stress on some fish species. Although commercial chemical buffers are available, natural water relies primarily on a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system, hence the name hobby use of "carbonate hardness". The abbreviation of KH is derived from the German spelling/translation of "carbonate" since German scientists, hobbyists, and writers were among the earliest leading aquarium keepers. Favorable levels of carbonate hardness are between 3° and 10° dH. This kit contains one 10-ml test reagent, a test vial and instructions and recommendations.
Note:
For Freshwater (including outdoor ponds), Brackish and Saltwater.
