KH ProAqua Test

JBL KH ProAqua Review

A healthy pond with near-natural conditions
The correct water parameters in a pond depend on the fish stock and the plants present. Even if the water looks clear, it can still be polluted. Poor water parameters can lead to diseases or algae growth in the pond. For a healthy pond with near-natural conditions, regular monitoring and adjustment of water parameters are important.

For every water analysis, JBL offers water tests in the form of rapid tests or color-change tests. These determine a specific value or multiple values simultaneously. With these water tests, algae problems can be detected and negative nitrate, nitrite, potassium, and magnesium levels, etc., can be identified.

JBL PRO AQUATEST KH is an easy-to-use titration test for determining carbonate hardness (also known as acid-base capacity or alkalinity) in freshwater, saltwater, and garden ponds.

Why test?
Depending on its source, water may contain varying amounts of different mineral salts, for example due to the nature of the underlying soil. A large portion of the dissolved salts consists of alkaline earth and alkali hydrogen carbonates.
Hydrogen carbonates, together with carbonates and carbon dioxide (CO2), form an important buffer system that prevents dangerously high fluctuations in the water’s pH value. The measured carbonate hardness (KH) indicates the total concentration of hydrogen carbonate in the water and can therefore, in rare cases (when mainly alkali hydrogen carbonates are present, as is the case in East African lakes) be higher than the total hardness, which only takes alkaline earth salts into account.
Most freshwater fish and plants in the aquarium can be successfully maintained at a carbonate hardness of approximately 5–16 °dH. For optimal CO2 fertilization, however, the carbonate hardness should not be below 5 °dH. A carbonate hardness of at least 5 °dH should also be maintained in garden ponds. In the event of CO2 deficiency, aquatic plants—and especially algae—consume bicarbonate through their rapid assimilation during photosynthesis (biogenic decalcification), which can drive the pH to levels dangerous for fish (above 10).
In seawater, a carbonate hardness of 7–13 °dH should be maintained for optimal pH buffering.

Procedure:

1. Rinse the measuring vessel several times with the water to be tested.
2. Using the included syringe, fill the measuring vessel with 5 ml of sample water
3. Add the reagent drop by drop. Swirl after each drop and count the drops until the color changes from blue to yellow-orange.

One drop of reagent solution consumed corresponds to 1 degree of German carbonate hardness (°dH), 1.78 degrees of French hardness (°fH), an acid-binding capacity of 0.36 mmol/l, and a bicarbonate content of 21.8 mg/l.

Correcting deviating values:
Too low: Use JBL water conditioners
containing hydrogen carbonate or mineral salt mixtures.
Too high: Water softening, e.g., by using a reverse osmosis system.

Use biocides with caution. Always read the label and product information before use.

Hazard statements: H226 Liquid and vapor are flammable . H314 Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage.