Liquid Wide Range pH Test Kit - Pond Care - #160
Product Details
Quickly and accurately measures the pH of pond water, reading pH levels from 5.0 to 9.0 - Makes approximately 160 tests. Prevents the harmful effects of too alkaline/too acidic pond water resulting from minerals found in tap water, high ammonia levels in the pond, rain runoff or overstocking of pond fish.
This kit contains: liquid dropper bottle with child-resistant safety cap, easy to read instructions with information on how to test and how to correct unsafe water conditions, color chart and glass test tube with snap-tight cap.
- Fast - Easy - Accurate
- Up to 160 Tests
- Freshwater or Saltwater
- pH ranges of 5.0 to 9.0
- Type of test: Liquid
- Monitor pH to prevent fish loss
Product FAQ's:
Q: How often should I test pH?
A: Regular testing is necessary to make sure the pH level is safe. Pond water should be tested for once a week.
Q: When is the best time to check the pH?
A: The best time to check the pH is in the morning. As the sun comes up and the plants begin photosynthesis the pH will rise. If the water sample is taken during a sunny period the pH will always be high due to the temporary action of the plants. Therefore the best time to test pH is in the morning.
Q: My fish are healthy and the pH test always shows the proper level. Why should I keep testing?
A:When a dental examination shows healthy teeth and no cavities it indicates good hygiene. It is much the same with ammonia in the pond. The pH test kit is a diagnostic tool that indicates proper care is being given to the fish. If the test kit always shows the pH is safe it means you are properly caring for your pond.>
Q: The pH in my pond is very acidic in the morning but is OK in the evening. Why?
A:Aquatic plants and algae remove carbon dioxide from the water during the day. This causes a temporary rise in pH during the daylight hours. This temporary pH shift can mask a low pH situation. Testing pH in the morning will show the true pH level. Your pond has a low pH problem that should be corrected. Making a partial water change will add carbonate minerals to the pond and help stabilize the pH. pH Up can also be added to increase the pH.
Q: My water garden has been set up for over two years and never had a pH problem. Now the pH test kit indicates a high pH problem. Why?
A: There are several possible reasons why pH can increase in an established pond.
Tap water may contain a substantial level of carbonate minerals (limestone). These carbonates can build up in some ponds and eventually cause the pH to increase. If your municipal water supply adds lime to the water to prevent pipe corrosion the pH may increase in the pond. If you have a well that is in a limestone deposit the pH will also rise over time. Making a partial water change once a month will dilute the carbonates and should help lower the pH. pH Down can also be added to lower the pH.
Technical Reference Guide:
Purpose And Benefits:
pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a reading above 7.0 is alkaline, and a reading lower than 7.0 is acidic. Many factors can significantly alter the pH of pond water. Acid rain will lower the pH to 6.5 or less. If the carbonate hardness (KH) level is low the pH level will swing up and down over a 24-hour period. Water with a high KH will usually have a high pH. Aquatic plants and algae remove carbon dioxide from the water during the day. This causes the pH to rise above pH 8.0 in the day then fall at night. These fluctuations are normal and will not harm pond life. Extremes in pH, however can stress fish and plants.
A pH of 7.0 is considered ideal for plants and fish. Many species of aquatic plants thrive at a slightly acid pH while koi and goldfish prefer a slightly alkaline pH. Therefore, an acceptable pH range is 6.8 to 7.6.
Directions For Use:
Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solutions to get into aquarium.
To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.
1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add five drops of Indicator Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.
3. Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix solution. Do not hold finger over open end of tube, as this may affect the test results.
4. Determine the pH reading by matching the color of the solution against those on the pH Color Chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the pH of the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.
Compatibility:
The Pond Care® Wide Range pH Test Kit can be used to test the pH in ponds and water gardens and tap water.
