Test kits

A test kit is a tool to see the invisible, the dissolved elements. When we have a problem with planted aquarium we know it has often something to do with water parameters, something may be out of range. To find what it is and correct it we need to test the water first. After we experience the same problem several times we know what it is. No more testing needed. So, the test kits are essential to learn the process, the dynamics and conditions of the planted aquarium.

Water testing is very easy. Read the little instructions and learn to read the levels. The learning process for NO3 and PO4 is to understand the colour changes. The best way to learn is to use the dosing solutions to make two water samples. First is zero ppm and the second is the level we want to have in the aquarium, 10 ppm NO3 and 0.5 ppm PO4. Then we test it and see the colour. In real time testing we can see if the level is too low, optimal or too high.

Water test samples:

0 ppm NO3

10 ppm NO3

0 ppm PO4

0.5 ppm PO4

Here is how it’s made.

For PPS-Pro users

NO3

KNO3 – 33 gram in 500 ml (or #1 Solution by PPS-Pro)

25 drops in 10 litre = 5 ppm

2 ml and 10 drops or 50 drops in 10 litre = 10 ppm

5 ml in 10 litre = 20 ppm

7 ml and 10 drops in 10 litre = 30 ppm

10 ml in 10 litre = 40 ppm

12 ml and 10 drops in 10 litre = 50 ppm

PO4

KH2PO4 – 6 gram in 1 litre (or #1 Solution by PPS-Pro)

5 drops in 10 litre = 0.1 ppm

10 drops in 10 litre = 0.2 ppm

25 drops in 10 litre = 0.5 ppm

50 drops or 2 ml and 10 drops in 10 litre = 1 ppm

5 ml in 10 litre = 2 ppm

For PPS-Classic users

NO3

KNO3 - 20 gram in 500 ml (or SS - Standard Solution by PPS-Classic)

2 ml in 10 litre = 5 ppm

4 ml in 10 litre = 10 ppm

8 ml in 10 litre = 20 ppm

12 ml in 10 litre =30 ppm

16 ml in 10 litre = 40 ppm

20 ml in 10 litre = 50 ppm

PO4

KH2PO4 - 6 gram in 500 ml (or SS - Standard Solution by PPS-Classic)

2.5 drops in 10 litre = 0.1 ppm

5 drops in 10 litre = 0.2 ppm

12.5 drops in 10 litre = 0.50 ppm

25 drops in 10 litre = 1.00 ppm

50 drops or 2 ml and 10 drops in 10 litre = 2 ppm

If we don’t get zero ppm readings on tap water then distilled or RO water need to be used to do this test.

FAQ

Do I need to do the test kit sample color learning procedure with every new kit?

No, it is optional.

Do we need to purchase expensive test kits?

No, the cheap local fish store kits are mostly ok for planted aquariums.

Isn’t testing a waste of time?

No, testing is a learning process and it is easier than changing large amounts of water.

What is wrong with changing water more often than testing?

Nothing is wrong with it if it works for you. See Water changes

How do I test for Mg?

Test for dGH or GH ppm, and Ca, then calculate Mg.

((17.86 x dGH) - (2.5 x Ca ppm)) / 4.1 = Mg ppm

(GH ppm - (2.5 x Ca ppm)) /4.1 = Mg ppm

How do I test for Ca?

Calcium Ca test kit, Hagen Nutrafin reagent #3 or API reagent #2

in 5 ml, 1 drop = 20 ppm Ca

in 10 ml, 1 drop = 10 ppm Ca

in 20 ml, 1 drop = 5 ppm Ca

How do I convert between GH ppm as CaCO3 and dGH?

dGH = GH ppm / 17.86

GH ppm = 17.86 x dGH

How do I convert between KH ppm as CaCO3 and dKH?

dKH = KH ppm / 17.86

KH ppm = 17.86 x dKH

How do I convert CaCO3 ppm equivalent to Ca and Mg ppm?

Example:

GH 80 ppm as CaCO3

Ca 64 ppm as CaCO3

Ca ppm = Ca as CaCO3 / 2.5

Ca ppm = 64 / 2.5

Ca ppm = 25.6

Mg ppm = (ppm GH as CaCO3 – ppm Ca as CaCO3) / 4.1

Mg ppm = (80 – 64) / 4.1

Mg ppm = 3.9

How do I convert Ca ppm and Mg ppm to dGH?

Example:

Ca 25.6 ppm

Mg 3.9 ppm

Ca dGH = Ca ppm / 7.144

Ca dGH = 25.6 / 7.144

Ca dGH = 3.58

Mg dGH = Mg ppm / 4.356

Mg dGH = 3.9 / 4.356

Mg dGH = 0.9

Total dGH = Ca dGH + Mg dGH

Total dGH = 3.58 + 0.9

Total dGH = 4.48

How do I convert between N and NO3?

N = 0.2259 x NO3

NO3 = 4.4267 x N

How do I convert between P and PO4?

P = 0.3261 x PO4

PO4 = 3.066 x P

What test kits do we need?

PPS-Classic users need NO3, PO4, GH and Ca kits once a month.

PPS-Pro users usually don’t need test kits but occasionally NO3 and PO4 tests are good to have.

Soft tap water and RO water users need GH and Ca test kits.

Non inert substrate users need KH test kit.

To analyze already existing problem we may need pH, NO3, PO4, GH, KH and Ca test kits.