The Science of Carbonate Hardness (aka - Alkalinity, Buffering Capacity):
Although commercial chemical buffers are available, natural water relies primarily on a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system, hence the name hobby use of "carbonate hardness". Favorable levels of carbonate hardness are between 3° and 10° dH. This kit contains one 10-ml test reagent, a test vial and instructions and recommendations.
No more messy tests. Lasts 4-6 weeks. Then just replace the cartridges for continuous monitoring.
1-Dry, stable reagents 2-Dated reagents 3-Accurate, translucent color comparators 4-Comprehensive instructions 5-Measurement ranges that are correct for aquarium use.
AquaTru Water Quality Test Kits pioneered the use of dry reagents for use in aquarium water testing. The major advantage of dry reagents is in their shelf life. Dry reagents are more stable than liquid reagents, which means the aquarist can perform tests with the confidence of knowing the results will be as accurate as possible when using a "calorimetric" type test. Kordon also dates their reagents. All manufacturer's reagents, whether dry or liquid, are subject to degradation. Because the reagent chemicals break down over time, it is important to know the age of the reagents and their expected life.
AquaTru's color comparator system has been carefully designed to reflect the needs of the concerned aquarist. The top is flared to make adding reagents easier, the wide base increases stability and a special sliding window helps make color comparisons more accurate. The color strip consists of translucent colors applied to a durable plastic, rather than a printed paper card. The translucent color strip allows light to pass through, providing a much more accurate match when comparing the cube's colors to those produced by the reagents. Reflected colors, such as those produced on a printed comparator do not match well when compared with the translucent colors in a test cube.
The quality of tap water varies widely and aquarium systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated (and expensive). It is increasingly important to monitor water conditions carefully in the aquarium. It is equally important to select only top quality, reliable test equipment to monitor these conditions. It is beyond the scope of most aquarists to analyze the accuracy of a test kit. They must depend on the manufacturer to provide them with accurate, dependable test kits, and a staff available to answer questions and resolve problems. Kordon has taken pride in providing professional quality test kits and test kit consultation... for over 15 years.
The Tetra Laborett Kit includes reagents, two test vials, a water withdrawal syringe, color scales and instruction booklets with recommendations and helpful hints.Test the water in your aquarium weekly to ensure optimum water quality.
The Tetratest® Total Ammonia kit was professionally developed to accurately determine the ammonia level in your aquarium water. The kit contains enough material for 25 tests, including one 6-ml test reagent #1, one 10-ml test reagent #2, one 17-ml test reagent #3, a test vial, color scale, instructions and recommendations.
Tetratest® Total Ammonia kit is safe and accurate to use with other chemical products that remove, reduce or detoxify ammonia from the aquarium and which can cause interference with less-expensive single reagent test methods. This kit is suitable for Freshwater (including outdoor ponds), Brackish and Saltwater systems.
Nitrate testing is also an indicator of general water quality and filter function; as biological filtration converts ammonia to nitrite and finally to nitrate, other important chemical changes take place in the aquarium. These changes can include the loss of alkalinity (buffering capacity) or the accumulation of phosphate - thus nitrate testing can indicate possible imbalances in other areas without directly testing each one.
Highly accuate and economical.
Unique, transparent dome allows clear view of contents. Includes all tests required to test the nitrogen cycle. Test water six different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. Easy to use.
Kit includes computer-calibrated and laminated color cards, 4 glass test tubes and holding tray. Also contains complete, step-by-step instruction booklet, including information on how to correct unsafe water conditions. Compact and easy to store. Over 800 tests.
The Science of pH
The Science of Nitrite
Nitrite is produced by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into toxic Nitrite (NO2-). The biological filter then converts nitrite into less-toxic nitrate (NO3-). If not removed, nitrite will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration.
In a new freshwater aquarium, the nitrite level may surge to 10 ppm (mg/L) or more, and then fall rapidly as the biological filter becomes established. The nitrite will be converted to nitrate. This process may take several weeks. In an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L). The presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration
