Fauna Marin AQUA HOME TEST KH Guia De Inicio Rapido página 6

Carbonate hardness/
EN
Alkalinity-Test
PRECISION
for saltwater aquaria
Measurement range: 0,1 - 20 °dKH
About carbonate hardness /
alkalinity:
The carbonate hardness (KH) or alka-
linity* of a water sample characterises
the buffering capacity, i.e. the ability to
maintain the pH value of the water.
It is primarily defined by the proportion
of hydrogen carbonate ions in the water.
As the pH value increases, other basic
ions such as the hydroxide ions also
contribute to the alkalinity.
The alkalinity should be tested in all
aquariums regularly. If the alkalinity in
the aquarium is too low, the pH value
can sink (sudden drop in acidity) to a
level which is life-threatening for many
fish and invertebrates. In reef aquariums,
an adequate alkalinity is essential for
strong coral growth. On the other hand,
an overly high alkalinity in saltwater
tanks can lead to lime precipitates and
also have a negative impact on coral
growth.
*There are many terms in water chemistry
to describe the buffering capacity with
4
varying definitions. The term "carbonate
hardness" is customary in reef- and
fishkeeping; however, it is the alkalinity
which is measured. In this test, both terms
are used synonymously.
The reading for alkalinity is usually given
in degrees of German hardness (°dKH).
You can find a table for converting this
unit into other common units (such as the
equivalence unit millival per litre (mval/l)
or the volume of substance in mmol/l) on
the second cover page.
Natural seawater has an alkalinity
of 6.5 °dKH. The alkalinity in
saltwater aquariums should range
from 6 to 9 °dKH.
Ask your specialist retailer for the correct
alkalinity for your tank.
Instructions for use:
Information:
Dip the syringe into the liquid before
drawing up the syringe. Readings
on dosing syringes are always taken
at the plunger even if there is air
between the plunger and the liquid
(caused by the empty volume of the
dropper tip, see illustration).
The air bubble will not affect the test
result.
Liquid
Air