Tropic Marin GH-Test Freshwater

Tropic Marin GH-Test Freshwater precise determination of the total hardness

For determining the total hardness (GH) in freshwater aquaria

The total hardness (GH) refers to the concentration of dissolved magnesium and calcium salts in the water. When the concentration of these salts is low, the water is considered soft. Conversely, when the concentration is high, the water is classified as hard. Typically, the measurement is expressed in degrees of German hardness (°dH), where 1 °dH corresponds to 10 mg per litre of dissolved calcium oxide. The levels of these salts in the water can significantly impact the health and well-being of both fish and plants. Therefore, regular testing is essential.

The ideal total hardness value varies depending on the fish species. Many African species, such as Aphyosemion, and Southeast Asian species, like Trichogaster, adapt well to hard water. However, South American tetras, for instance, thrive in softer water. A hardness level of 3-10 °dH is generally favorable for a freshwater aquarium.

The Tropic Marin GH-Test allows you to quickly and accurately determine the total hardness of your aquarium water. This test kit can perform approximately 100 tests, depending on the results.

Benefits:

• Measurement range: 1 – 20 °dH
• Accuracy: 0.5/1 °dH
• Designed for testing total hardness in freshwater aquaria
• Provides sufficient materials for approximately 100 applications
• Measured using the German hardness scale (°dH)
• Includes a conversion table for other units in the instruction manual

How to use Tropic Marin GH-Test:

1. Refer to the conversion table for other units included in the instruction manual.
2. Rinse the glass cuvette with tap water, followed by rinsing it several times with aquarium water.
3. Using the dosing syringe, fill the glass cuvette with exactly 5 ml of aquarium water.
4. Add the GH test reagent drop by drop, shaking the cuvette after each drop, until the solution changes color from PINK to TURQUOISE.
5. The total number of drops indicates the hardness in °dH; for example, 8 drops equal 8 °dH. For enhanced accuracy, you may use a 10 ml water sample (instead of 5 ml), where 1 drop equals 0.5 °dH; thus, 15 drops would equal 7.5 °dH.
6. After completing the measurement, rinse the glass cuvette and the syringe thoroughly with tap water.

How to correct unfavorable values

If the total hardness is too high, we recommend replacing a portion of the water with soft water. Please consult your local specialist pet retailer for guidance on this. If the total hardness is too low, consider adding Tropic Marin PRO-DISCUS MINERAL to raise the hardness levels.

Shelf life and storage: The product remains effective for 6 months after opening. It is best to store it in a cool, dark place.