{"title":"Water Tests","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"nt-labs-marine-lab-kh-test","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab KH Carbonate Hardness Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is KH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKH, or carbonate hardness, describes the pH buffering capability of water. Water with the correct KH will resist changes to the pH, ensuring a stable environment for your aquarium’s inhabitants. KH measures the concentration of carbonates and bicarbonates dissolved in the water which provide the pH-stabilising effect. In a reef aquarium, these are also an essential component for reef-building corals and other invertebrates with calcium-based exoskeletons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for KH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs marine water ages, acidic processes in the aquarium consume the KH causing it to decrease. Furthermore, many marine invertebrates assimilate carbonates removing them from the water column. If the KH becomes too low, the pH of the water is at risk of significant fluctuations. It is these changes that cause stress to fish and make them more susceptible to disease. The KH should be tested frequently to ensure that it remains at the correct level to provide a stable environment for your aquarium’s inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct level of KH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn natural seawater, the dissolved carbonate hardness is normally 7 dKH (or °KH), but you may wish to maintain a level between 7 and 14 dKH depending on your method of running the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if the KH level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your KH is low in your aquarium, use Marine Buffer Powder to safely increase the KH up to the desired level. Monitor the KH frequently to determine how quickly the KH decreases over the period of a week and adjust to frequency of water changes or addition of buffer to maintain a stable KH. If the KH in your aquarium is high, a water change with a good quality salt will help reduce the KH, but changes to KH should be carried out slowly to avoid stressing the inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for KH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 5 ml of water to be tested into the titration vessel provided. Draw up 1 ml of KH reagent so that the bottom of the plunger is at the 1.0 ml mark. It is normal for there to be an air bubble below the plunger and this does not need to be removed. Slowly dispense from the syringe into the titration vessel while swirling to ensure proper mixing. Keep dispensing from the syringe. Slow down when the colour of the solution changes from blue to green. Stop dispensing from the syringe when the solution changes to yellow without a hint of blue\/green. Read the syringe, noting the value indicated by the bottom of the plunger (not the level of the liquid). Look up this value on the chart to determine the KH in dKH. If the colour changes to yellow at a syringe reading greater than 0.4, the KH will be less than 6 and requires increasing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"50 tests","offer_id":53677167804757,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_193e252d-f362-4db9-9a61-6e50b52bc498.jpg?v=1776085660"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-marine-lab-no2-nitrite-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab NO2 Nitrite Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is nitrite?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNitrite is the intermediate product in the nitrification process. Nitrite originates as a waste product produced by nitrifying bacteria as a result of processing ammonia. It is commonly encountered in newly set up aquaria, where there has been a significant increase in the number of animals in the aquarium, or if the filter has been disrupted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for nitrite?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the presence of salt, nitrite is much less toxic to marine organisms than freshwater animals. Filtration bacteria in a well-established marine aquarium process nitrite as quickly as it is produced. The presence of nitrite therefore is an indicator that the equilibrium of the aquarium has been disrupted. Testing for nitrite regularly can help quickly assess the health of a marine aquarium before a problem becomes harmful to fish and marine invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct nitrite level in my aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA healthy, mature aquarium should have 0 mg\/l nitrite at all times. Any positive nitrite reading likely indicates a problem with the aquarium and should be addressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if the nitrite level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf any nitrite is detected in your aquarium, determine the cause for the elevated nitrite (e.g. changes in stocking density, overfeeding, filter maintenance etc). Monitor livestock for changes and ill-health and carry out partial water changes to dilute nitrite if necessary. Add Marine Live Filter Bacteria to help repopulate the filter with marine nitrifying bacteria and restart the biological filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for nitrite?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 5 ml of water to be tested into the test tube provided. The middle mark on the test tube indicates 5 ml. Add 5 drop of the nitrite reagent to the test tube, cap the test tube and then shake. Wait for 2 minutes for the colour to develop. Once the 2 minutes has elapsed, view the test tube from the side and compare to the colour chart to determine the amount of nitrite present in the water. N.B. Colour will continue to develop after 2 minutes. Therefore, read the nitrite test immediately after the two minutes has elapsed. Attempting to read this test significantly after this time period may result in falsely high readings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"40 tests","offer_id":53677178618197,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_2afbcd44-1491-4a53-a9ae-094c4f8e6aaf.jpg?v=1776085852"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-no3-nitrate-marine-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab NO3 Nitrate Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is nitrate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNitrate is the waste product of naturally occurring bacteria (Nitrospira spp.) turning nitrite into relatively non-toxic nitrate. In a typical aquarium, nitrate is the final stage of nitrification and usually accumulates with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for nitrate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvertebrates do not tolerate a high level of nitrate in a marine aquarium, so careful measurement is essential to keeping corals healthy. Nitrate is also the cause of many algae problems in a marine aquarium so monitoring and responding to nitrate can help reduce these algae issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct level of nitrate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a reef aquarium, a concentration of under 10 mg\/l is optimal for both coral growth and health. In a marine fish-only system, nitrate should not exceed 20 mg\/l. Higher readings are unlikely to affect fish health, but it may promote excess algae growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if the nitrate level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular partial water changes with a good quality salt should be sufficient in maintaining low nitrate. Good aquarium hygiene, such as removing excessive waste from filters or sumps will also help to keep nitrate down to a minimum. Excessive feeding will also cause high nitrate, so ensure that fish are not overfed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for nitrate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 5 ml of water to be tested into the test tube provided. The middle mark on the test tube indicates 5 ml. Ensuring reagent bottle 1 is closed, turn the bottle upside down and shake well for approximately 30 seconds to resuspend the catalyst particles. Immediately add 6 drops of Nitrate-1 reagent to the test tube. Add 6 drops of Nitrate-2 reagent. Cap the test tube and shake well to mix. Wait for 10 minutes for the colour to develop. Once the 10 minutes has elapsed, view the test tube from the side and compare to the colour chart to determine the amount of nitrate present in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"35 tests","offer_id":53677197721941,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_842f1052-b02b-4ef8-a56e-8a41032ac5fb.jpg?v=1776086154"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-marine-lab-ph-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab pH Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is pH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline water in your aquarium is. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. Very acidic water is pH 0 and very alkaline water is pH 14, while water that is neither acid or alkaline is pH 7 and described as neutral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for pH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost marine organisms have evolved to optimally live in a narrow pH range. Deviations away from their preferred pH can result in stress, poor health and ultimately, death. As aquarium water tends to acidify with age, regularly testing the pH of the water is the only reliable method of ensuring that the pH is correct for the aquarium’s inhabitants.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct pH level in my aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pH in a marine aquarium should be approximately 8.3. In addition to meeting this pH range, a stable pH is equally important. Rapid fluctuations in pH can be just as detrimental as the wrong pH. As KH (carbonate hardness) is strongly correlated with the stability of the pH, KH should also be monitored at the same time as pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if my pH is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the pH is outside of the desired range, test and ensure that the KH is also correct. To safely increase the pH and the KH, use Marine Buffer Powder. When the KH is correct, the pH should return to the normal range. Excessively high pH (and KH) can be caused by inappropriate décor or overuse of some calcium supplements; identify the precise cause and carry out partial water changes to dilute high KH and restore the pH to the required range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for pH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 5 ml of water to be tested into the test tube provided. The middle mark on the test tube indicates 5 ml. Add 5 drop of the pH reagent to the test tube, cap the test tube and then shake. Immediately view the test tube from the side and compare to the colour chart to determine the pH of the water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"40 tests","offer_id":53677220102485,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_874cf289-6b79-4bbc-afb9-36f6b6382d72.jpg?v=1776086713"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-marine-lab-mg-magnesium-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab Mg Magnesium Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is magnesium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMagnesium is the second-most abundant cation found in natural seawater. Magnesium is essential for the efficient assimilation of calcium by marine invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for magnesium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout the correct levels of magnesium, corals and invertebrates cannot properly or efficiently utilise calcium for the formation of their shells and growth of skeletons. Sufficient magnesium also prevents precipitation of calcium and carbonate ions, ensuring bioavailable calcium and a pH stabilising effect. As magnesium tends to deplete with the age of the water, monitoring the magnesium frequently is the only reliable method to determine the concentration present in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct level of magnesium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe average magnesium level in natural seawater is 1300-1400 mg\/l. Equally importantly, the correct ratio between magnesium and calcium should be achieved. The concentration of magnesium should be 3 times that of calcium (e.g. a magnesium to calcium of 3:1).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if the magnesium level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the magnesium concentration in your aquarium is wrong, partial water changes using a good quality reef salt is recommend to help re-establish the correct magnesium concentration. It is also important to check the calcium and KH as the three are correlated. If the magnesium is incorrect, calcium and KH are also likely to be wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for magnesium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the 1 ml pipette provided to measure 1 ml of water to be tested into the titration vessel. Add 10 drops of Mg-1 reagent. The sample will turn cloudy. Add 5 drops of Mg-2 reagent to turn the sample pink in colour. Attach the titration tip to the 1 ml syringe provided. Draw up 1 ml of Mg-3 so that the bottom of the plunger is at the 1.0 ml mark. It is normal for there to be an air bubble below the plunger and this does not need to be removed. Slowly dispense from the syringe into the titration vessel while swirling to ensure proper mixing. Keep dispensing from the syringe. Slow down when the colour of the solution changes from pink to purple. Stop dispensing from the syringe when the solution changes to blue without a hint of purple. Read the syringe, noting the value indicated by the bottom of the plunger (not the level of the liquid). Look up this value on the chart to determine the calcium concentration in mg\/l (as Mg2+).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"35 tests","offer_id":53677227344213,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_68128e62-3dc9-4070-94e8-a7cfa7f4e8db.jpg?v=1776087062"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-marine-lab-ca-calcium-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Marine Lab Ca Calcium Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is calcium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium is one of the critical building blocks for corals, clams, calcareous algae and many other marine organisms. After sodium and magnesium, calcium is the third-most abundant cation found in seawater and is vital for a balanced marine environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy test for calcium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAchieving the correct calcium concentration range is critical: too little can lead to poor coral health, while too much can result in depletion of carbonate hardness (KH). Testing for calcium allows you to ensure optimal conditions for your aquarium inhabitants and the stability of other significant water chemistry parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct level of calcium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe typical value of calcium found in seawater is 420 mg\/l, but values in the aquarium vary from 380 mg\/l to 450 mg\/l, dependent on the method of running your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to do if the calcium level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the calcium level in your aquarium is wrong, partial water changes using a good quality reef salt is recommend to help re-establish the correct calcium concentration. It is also important to check the magnesium and KH as the three are correlated. If the calcium is incorrect, magnesium and KH are also likely to be wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to test for calcium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the 1 ml pipette provided to measure 1 ml of water to be tested into the titration vessel. Add 5 drops of Ca-1 reagent. The sample will turn cloudy. Add 5 drops of Ca-2 reagent to turn the sample pink in colour. Attach the titration tip to the 1 ml syringe provided. Draw up 1 ml of Ca-3 so that the bottom of the plunger is at the 1.0ml mark. It is normal for there to be an air bubble below the plunger and this does not need to be removed. Slowly dispense from the syringe into the titration vessel while swirling to ensure proper mixing. Keep dispensing from the syringe. Slow down when the colour of the solution changes from pink to purple. Stop dispensing from the syringe when the solution changes to blue without a hint of purple. Read the syringe, noting the value indicated by the bottom of the plunger (not the level of the liquid). Look up this value on the chart to determine the calcium concentration in mg\/l (as Ca2+).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"35 tests","offer_id":53677237600597,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_7e5c07eb-2db5-487d-91fd-98a9e20b4b04.jpg?v=1776087237"},{"product_id":"nt-labs-ammonia-aquarium-test-kit","title":"NT Labs Ammonia Aquarium Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is ammonia?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmmonia is the main waste product produced by fish as a result of feeding. It can also be generated by the decay of uneaten food or decaying organic matter, such as plant leaves. It is invisible to the naked eye and its presence or absence cannot be determined by looking at the water alone. It is extremely toxic to the fish but is broken down into less toxic nitrite by the beneficial bacteria found in the filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the correct ammonia level?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no occasion where any ammonia is tolerable. A level of zero mg\/l (ppm) should be maintained at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do I do if the ammonia level is wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf a level of 0.2 mg\/l (ppm) is found, add a filter booster such as Filter Starter. If a level above this is found, then a substantial water change is essential. Change 25% of the volume for 0.5 – 1.0 mg\/l (ppm) ammonia and 50% for ammonia levels above this. Add Ammonia Remover to the filter compartment to remove ammonia. If any amount of ammonia is found, then it is important to check other vital water quality parameters, in particular pH, KH and nitrite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnsure the test tube is clean. Take a 5 ml sample of water into the test tube. Add 5 drops of the reagent Ammonia 1, 5 drops of Ammonia 2 and 5 drops of Ammonia 3. Replace the test tube cap and shake thoroughly. Wait 10 minutes, then compare the colour of the sample to the colour scale provided. Zero ammonia is represented by a yellow colour. Any hint of green in the sample indicates the presence of ammonia in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NT Labs","offers":[{"title":"40 tests","offer_id":53677257654613,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_2ff04811-7a19-460c-a7cc-d2b438f89bed.jpg?v=1776087608"},{"product_id":"tetra-no2-aquarium-water-test-kit","title":"Tetra NO2 Aquarium Water Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e*OLD STOCK*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tetra No2 Aquarium Water Test Kit is a reliable and essential tool for fish tank owners. Made by the trusted brand Tétra, this test kit specifically measures nitrite levels in the water, allowing aquarium enthusiasts to check their water quality safely and accurately. It is a must-have for maintaining a healthy environment for fish in an aquarium setting, providing peace of mind for pet owners who want to ensure the wellbeing of their aquatic pets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tetra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53782659694933,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_8b2225e4-40f4-4d4d-bc87-cf320c63cf9e.png?v=1777384922"},{"product_id":"tetra-gh-aquarium-water-test-kit","title":"Tetra GH Aquarium Water Test Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e*OLD STOCK*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tetra GH Aquarium Water Test Kit is a reliable tool for maintaining water quality in fish tanks. Made by the brand Tétra, this test kit specifically measures the general hardness (GH) of the water, providing essential information for ensuring a healthy environment for fish. With easy-to-Use instructions and accurate results, this product is a must-have for any aquarium owner looking to monitor and adjust their water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tetra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53782679257429,"sku":null,"price":7.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/3579\/7845\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_7808564e-ef08-45ec-9041-baaa42f36800.png?v=1777385058"}],"url":"https:\/\/westwood-aquariums.myshopify.com\/collections\/water-tests.oembed","provider":"Westwood Aquariums ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}