AquaTru® pH Test Kits
LR pH 5.5 - 7.5 Prod. Code 35840
HR pH 6.5 - 8.5 Prod. Code 35860
Marine pH 7.8 - 8.6 Prod. Code 35880

KPD-43
GENERAL INFORMATION
The pH of a solution is an indication of the hydrogen ion concentration, or more simply, whether the solution is acidic or alkaline (basic). The numerical range of pH values is from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline). A pH equal to 7 represents a neutral solution; it is neither acidic nor basic. The pH of natural water sources usually ranges from 4 to 9; alkaline conditions are common in fresh water because of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides. The optimum pH for fish health varies with species, but most freshwater fishes do well in neutral to slightly alkaline water while marine aquarium fishes usually do well when the pH is at or near 8.3. The pH of aquarium water should be maintained with as little fluctuation as possible since small pH changes reflect large changes in hydrogen ion concentration (one pH unit change = ten fold change in hydrogen ion concentration).

The pH should not be allowed to fall below 6.0 since nitrification quickly declines as the water becomes increasingly acidic. The nitrifying bacteria cease all activity when the pH is 5.0 or lower. A continual decrease in pH readings is and indication of deteriorating conditions in the aquarium. However, rapid changes in pH (i.e. from massive water changes) should be avoided in such instances for two reasons: (1) Potentially toxic ammonia concentrations can be very high since nitrification has slowed or ceased. Although most of the ammonia is in the ionized (nontoxic) form under acidic conditions, a rapid rise in pH will convert more of the ammonia to the unionized (toxic) form (see Ammonia Test Kit Product Data Sheet). This increased concentration of toxic ammonia can cause stress and even death in extreme cases. (2) Fish acclimate to varying pH if changes are gradual; however, rapid changes in pH can severely stress fish and cause death.

To prevent sudden, often disastrous, emergencies, the pH of an aquarium system should be carefully and accurately monitored. The Kordon AquaTru pH Test Kits ( Low Range, High Range and Marine) provide a simple and accurate method of pH analysis in three appropriate ranges, 5.5-7.5 and 6.5-8.5, and 7.8-8.6, respectively.

ADVANTAGES
1) Fast and accurate pH Measurements: essential for monitoring water quality in new and established aquariums.
2) Three kits and ranges available: Low Range (5.5 - 7.5), designed for analysis of pH ranges most commonly encountered in fresh water aquariums. High Range (6.5 - 8.5), for analysis of alkaline freshwater aquariums and Marine (7.8-8.6), designed for saltwater aquariums.
3) Highly stable powdered reagents. Sealed in foil pillows and dated to insure freshness.
4) Easy-to-use kit: simple step-by-step instructions and explanations.

CHEMISTRY OF COLOR REACTIONS
Low Range pH and High Range pH Test Kits employ bromthymol blue and phenol red, respectively, as indicator reagents. Bromthymol blue changes from yellow to blue while phenol red shifts from yellow to fuschia as conditions become more alkaline (less acidic). The Marine pH Test Kit employs m-Cresol purple as an indicator reagent. m-Cresol purple changes from a yellow/brown to a dark purple as conditions become more alkaline.

INTERFERENCES
High concentrations of dissolved neutral salts (sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium chloride, among many others) will not significantly alter the pH of a solution. They can, however, interfere with the color reaction of an indicator such as bromthymol blue or cresol red. In this way, the apparent pH that is indicated by such chemicals can be erroneous. Marine water and hard fresh water can yield these erroneous results, so correction factors (0.1 - for hard water and 0.2 for marine water) are given in the instructions. They are subtracted from the pH readings to yield accurate results.

GUIDELINES FOR ACCURATE TEST RESULTS
1) Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual chemicals from previous test do not interfere with results. It is suggested that tap water be used for the initial rinse so chemicals do not get into the aquarium when the cube is dipped. Aquarium water should be used for final rinses so that residual tap water will not affect readings. Discard the rinse water each time so that residual chemicals are not poured into the aquarium.
2) When collecting water samples, take care to obtain a representative sample. For example, temperature differences near the surface can result in pH readings that differ from midwater samples. Although the affect is minimal, sampling techniques should be tested, Take two samples and analyze according to kit instructions; any variation in the results indicates that more care should be exercised when collecting samples. A recommended method is to (a) submerge the rinsed, capped cube to midwater, (b) open the cube and allow to fill, (c) cap while still submerged and remove, and (d) drain water to correct level (discard excess).
3) Test the water sample immediately following collection. Time elapsed between collection and analysis may affect test results.
4) When matching the test solution to the color cube, use white paper as a background and read into normal daylight or incandescent light sources.

DIRECTIONS
1) Following the "Guidelines for accurate test results", obtain a representative water sample for testing.
2) Open one pH reagent pillow (appropriate to the kit being used). Add the contents to the water sample, cap, and mix until the reagents have completely dissolved.

3) Determine the pH by matching the solution color to the closest shade on the color comparator. If necessary, subtract the appropriate correction factors for hard (0.1) or marine (0.2) water. After use, discard the contents of the cube and rinse with tap water. Do not return any water to the aquarium.
4) A continual or abrupt decline in pH (reflecting increased acidity) should be regarded as an indication of deteriorating water quality. Partial water changes should be made to slowly return pH to the desired level. Addition of buffers (pH adjusting chemicals) to raise the pH of acidic water can cause stress or death to fish due to increased toxic ammonia concentrations and/or shock and should be used with extreme caution (for additional information on ammonia, click here: AMMONIA INFO). Any rapid changes in pH should be avoided.

CAUTIONS
These kits contain potentially harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if misused. Read label cautions carefully and exercise extreme care during handling, use, and disposal of these chemicals. First aid instructions are available on the reagent package of each kit. This kit should not be used by children except under adult supervision. Following use, always clean hands, test apparatus and test area well.

REAGENT AND COLOR STANDARD STABILITY
The reagents should be used before the expiration date shown on the package. If the reagents are to be used after the expiration date they should be checked with an accurate standard solution to insure the reliability of the reagents. The reagents should be stored in a cool place. The color comparator strip should not be exposed to strong light sources for an extended length of time to prevent fading of the colors.

PACKAGING
Kordon's AquaTru Low and High Range pH Test Kits are packaged one kit per box. The Low Range and Marine Test Kits are available as part of the Kordon AquaTru Aquarist Master Test Kit; the High Range pH Kit is available as part of the Fresh Water Master Test Kit, the Marine pH Kit is available as part of the Salt Water Master Test Kits l & ll Replacement pillows are available for all kits in 10 count bags sufficient for 10 tests and in 50 count bags sufficient for 50 tests.

Item Number	Product Description
35840	Low Range pH Test Kit
35860	High Range pH Test Kit
35880	35880 Marine pH Test Kit
35640	Low Range pH Powder Pillow Reagents-10 ea. per pack
34042	Low Range pH Powder Pillow Reagents-50 ea. per pack
35660	High Range pH Powder Pillow Reagents-10 ea. per pack
34062	High Range pH Powder Pillow Reagents-50 ea. per pack
35680	Marine pH Powder Pillow Reagents-10 ea. per pack
34082	Marine pH Powder Pillow Reagents-50 ea. per pack

Click here to return to Kordon's Home Page

© 1997 NOVALEK, INC.