60 easy to use tests for accurate measurement of high range pH (7.4 - 8.6) and alkalinity (buffer capacity). 100 Ph Tests. 60 Alkalinity Tests. Includes liquid testing agents, easy to read color charts, test tube, instructions, and buffer supplement.- pH Indicator, 0.51 fl. oz.
- Alkalinity Indicator, 0.51 fl. oz.
- Buffer Supplement, 0.85 fl. oz.
- test tube with ml markings clearly marked and stopper
- color scales
- easy to follow instructions
Introduction To pH And Alkalinity
The pH is a very important parameter in the biology of aquatic organisms. It is a measure of the acidity or basicity of the water. The scale runs from zero to 14. Zero is the most acidic. Seven is neutral and 14 is the most basic. The pH scale is not linear, but logarithmic. A change of one pH unit, for example from seven to six, means that the water gets ten times more acidic.
Due to its chemistry, salt water is able to absorb a certain amount of acidic matter without a resulting change in pH. The substances in the water that do this are called buffers. The ability to withstand changes in pH is called buffer capacity. Based on a method of measuring buffer capacity, it is referred to as the alkalinity of seawater. In some of the literature alkalinity is termed "carbonate hardness" or "kh carbonate buffer". This is exactly the same measurement as is measured in the Alkalinity Mini-Lab test.
pH And Alkalinity
The pH of natural sea water varies geographically in the world's oceans between 8.1 and 8.4. On a local scale the pH is however remarkably stable. This is due to the dissolved buffers (mainly bicarbonates), which prevent pH changes. Because of the enormous volume of the ocean, a nearly inexhaustible stock of buffers are present. The sea can take up large amounts of acids without a noticeable change in pH.
Compared to the sea the volume of a marine aquarium is very limited and therefore the alkalinity is also limited. As fish produce acid waste products and as the buffering substances are used up by calcareous algae and invertebrates, the buffer capacity may become so low that the pH could suddenly fall. This would be very dangerous to all organisms in the aquarium.
The alkalinity is measured in so called milli-equivalents of alkaline substances (for example sodium bicarbonate) per liter. These alkaline substances have the power to prevent pH drops. The alkalinity of natural sea water is approximately 2.5 milli-equivalents per liter. This level should also be maintained in the marine aquarium.
A common symptom of an unsuitable pH is pH stress. Especially in the marine aquarium, unsuitable pH values are very stressful to fish, and increase the chance of the fish being susceptible to disease (marine white spot). To maintain a correct and stable pH, check the pH and alkalinity weekly.
Directions: pH Test- Clean a test tube by rinsing it with water to be tested.
- Fill the test tube to the six ml mark with water to be tested.
- Add three drops of pH (7.4 - 8.6) indicator, close the test tube with the stopper and shake gently for ten seconds.
- Compare the color with the color scale by holding the test tube in a vertical position, eight inches above a white background.
- Read off the pH value of the color that is most similar to the sample in the test tube.
- Clean the test tube and stopper with tapwater.
Directions: Alkalinity Test
- Clean a test tube by rinsing it with the water to be tested.
- Fill the test tube to the ten ml mark with water to be tested.
- Add five drops of alkalinity indicator.
- Close the test tube. Look down through the open top of the test tube while holding eight inches above a white background and compare the color with the scale on the enclosed color chart.
- Read off the milli-equivalents value of the color that is most similar to the sample in the test tube.
- Clean the test tube and stopper with tapwater.
Recommendations
A low pH should be corrected by a 10% water change every day until the right pH is reached.
A low buffer capacity should be corrected by first making a 10% water change. Re-check the alkalinity and if still low, add Reef Supplement Buffer until a level of 2.2 can be measured. Note: 3.38 fl. oz. will raise the alkalinity of 40 gallons from 1.7 to 2.2 milli equivalents.
Maintaining a stable pH and a high buffer capacity of your aquarium can be achieved in several ways:
Change 10% of your aquarium water every week. Red Sea Fish pHarm's Coral Reef Red Sea Salt is particularly suitable as it is rich in natural buffers, enabling you to keep the buffer capacity at the optimum level.Weekly water changes should be accompanied by regular addition of a buffering solution such as Red Sea's Reef Supplement Buffer which contains carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and boron in a balanced formula.Directions: Reef Supplement Buffer
- Shake well before using.
- Dosage: add 20 drops for each 15 gallons of aquarium water per week.
Treats 75 gallon aquarium for five weeks. Available in 3.38 fl. oz. bottles for prolonged use.Safety Warnings
pH Indicator: contains bromothymol blue. Irritating to eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
Alkalinity Indicator: contains bromocresol green. Harmful if swallowed. Irritating to eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. If swallowed seek medical advice immediately and show the container or label.
Reef Supplement Buffer: contains sodium bicarbonate. Irritating to eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
Keep out of reach of children.