AquaTru ® pH Test Kits

Choose the right pH test kit for your aqaurium's needs:

AQUA-TRU LOW RANGE - fresh water pH - Item#35840
AQUA-TRU HIGH RANGE - fresh water pH - Item#35860
AQUA-TRU MARINE pH - Item#35880

Kordon's AquaTru Test Kits were designed for accuracy with several important criteria in mind:
1-Dry, stable reagents
2-Dated reagents
3-Accurate, translucent color comparators
4-Comprehensive instructions
5-Measurement ranges that are correct for aquarium use.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
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 "colorimetric" 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.