General Hardness is a measure of all the
dissolved salts in the water. This concentration of dissolved salts affects the
osmotic regulation systems in fish. In addition, General Hardness influences
calcium levels in the blood. The General Hardness should correspond to the
original habitat of the species being kept. Carbonate Hardness (commonly called
alkalinity) is a measurement of the capacity for water to neutralize an acid,
known as the buffering capacity. It is an important component of water chemistry
because it helps stabalize water pH. Carbonate Hardness is also an important
source of energy for nitrifying bacteria that eliminate ammonia and nitrite. In
addtion carbonates are used by plants for photosynthesis when carbon dioxide is
absent.
Instructions:
General Hardness-Take a sample of the water to be tested and fill the test tube
to the 5ml line. Add 1 drop of GH Reagent into the test tube, insert cap and
shake well. Avoid skin contact while mixing. Continue to add one drop at a time
and shake after each addition. Count the number of drops until the color changes
from pink to blue. Multiply the total number of drops by 20 to determine the
General Hardness in mg/L (ppm). Carbonate Hardness-Take a sample of the water to
be tested and fill the test tube to the 5ml line. Add 1 drop of KH reagent into
the test tube, insert cap and shake well to mix. Continue to add a drop at a
time and shake after each addtion. Count the number of drops it takes for the
color to change from blue to a yellow/lime color. Multiply the total number of
drops by 10 to determine the carbonate hardness in mg/L (ppm).
Specifications:
Contains - 1 bottle of carbonate hardness reagent, 1 bottle of general hardness
reagent, 1 glass test tube with cap, 1 pipette, 1 lab base, and 1 instruction
booklet.
