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Testing your aquarium’s water parameters regularly is an important part of keeping and maintaining a healthy environment for your fish and invertebrates. Fritz Alkalinity (KH) Test kit is a liquid-reagent-based test that accurately measures KH in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The kit contains the required reagents, a test tube and instruction card with test color chart.
Alkalinity measures the buffering capacity of aquarium water, or its ability to resist pH changes. Stable alkalinity helps maintain a stable pH.
Alkalinity is typically measured as carbonate hardness (KH) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Higher KH means better resistance to pH swings. Lower KH means the water is more prone to them.
Because KH naturally decreases over time through nitrification and the introduction of CO₂ and other acids, regular testing is important. Fluctuations in pH can stress or harm fish and other aquatic life. In freshwater tanks, especially planted tanks, low KH is one of the most common causes of sudden pH crashes, as CO₂ accumulates overnight when plants stop photosynthesizing. In reef tanks, corals depend on stable alkalinity to build their skeletons, and without it they can become stressed or die.
To remove childproof safety cap, push down while turning.
Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
Holding the Alkalinity (KH) test solution dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position, add one drop at a time. Cap the test tube and gently shake between drops. Count the drops as they are added.
The test is complete when the water in the test tube turns from blue to yellow (after having been gently shaken).
Start
End
If you have difficulty discerning the color of the test solution is added, remove the cap from the test tube and while holding it over a white background and look down through the tube.
See conversion chart. The number of drops needed to turn the water from yellow to green determines the Alkalinity (KH) value.
Number of drops | KH value (ppm) |
|---|---|
1 | 17.9 |
2 | 35.8 |
3 | 53.7 |
4 | 71.6 |
5 | 89.5 |
6 | 107.4 |
7 | 125.3 |
8 | 143.2 |
9 | 161.1 |
10 | 179.0 |
11 | 196.9 |
12 | 214.8 |
DO NOT allow test solutions to get into aquarium. Read and follow all precautions on the product label.
We recommend maintaining a minimum of 4 dKH (80 ppm) to ensure a healthy nitrifying bacteria population, especially setting up a new tank.
Soft water fish, like Discus and other South American cichlids – 0 to 4 dKH ( 0 – 70 ppm)
Tropical community fish, like tetras and betta – 4-8 dKH (80-140 ppm)
African Rift Lake cichlids – 8-12 dKH (140-215 ppm)
Marine species – 8-12 dKH (140-215 ppm)
To increase the KH of your water, add Fritz pH Higher.
For a more significant KH increase for African cichlid systems, add Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer as needed.
To decrease the KH of your water, add Fritz pH Lower, or perform partial water changes with water with a lower KH (such as RO/DI.)
| Item # | Case QTY | UPC |
|---|---|---|
| 75004006 | 12 | 080531040065 |
