Velda Aqua Test Mode D'emploi page 21

USER INSTRUCTIONS AQUA TEST
GENERAL
With the help of the Velda KH Test the carbonate hardness, also referred to as acid binding capacity,
of both fresh and salt water can be determined quickly and quite accurately. The CH value directly
influences the pH value (acidity) and the CO
expressed in German degrees of hardness, for example CH 7 °GH. Both for garden ponds and for
aquaria it is important to have an insight into the carbonate hardness of the water.
CH VALUE OF PONDS
Soft pond water can acidify easily. Continuous rainfall will intensify this process. Especial-
ly in autumn and winter this can result in death of fish. Also the growth of oxygen producing
plants will be inhibited at a too low CH value. Regular inspection (4 to 5 times a year) of the
CH value is therefore desirable. A healthy and stable pond environment has a carbonate
hardness of CH 6 up to 8 °GH. If the value will decrease below CH 6 °GH, measures have
to be taken. With the help of Velda KH Plus the carbonate hardness can be increased.
Never add GH Plus and KH Plus at the same time, but with an interval of a few days.
CH VALUE OF AQUARIA
For a company aquarium the CH value may vary from CH 6 to 8 °GH. Most fish and plants
can develop well then. For special aquaria there may be exceptions. Aquarium literature
gives decisive answers on the subject.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Rinse the graduated beakers well and fill them with 5 ml of water to be tested. Shift the neutral chart
in the comparator and place the graduated beakers in the holes that are destined for them. Add,
while shaking slightly, to one of the graduated beakers so many drops of KH test liquid till the initial
colour green will turn purple. The change in colour can be seen most clearly from above. The num-
ber of drops added will determine the CH value (1 drop = 1 °GH). To be sure that the measurement
G is correct, you may repeat this test, if necessary, with another graduated beaker.
After use rinse the graduated beakers well. You should bear in mind that in very soft water the change
in colour is hard to see. If no change in colour occurs, the value is less than CH 2 °GH. This test
practically has an unlimited shelf life, provided that it is kept cool and dark. Keep away form children.
MEDICINE AND PESTICIDES
When administering fish medicine, algae and snail killers it is necessary to determine the CH value
of the water, before passing on to treatment. At a CH value below 4 °GH the buffering power of the
water is low. In that case the action of medicine and pesticides is far more intensive, as a result of
which the dosage indicated can easily harm fish and plants. At a CH value less than 4 °GH it is
therefore advisable to halve the dosage of medicine and pesticides.
content (carbonic acid) in water. The CH value is
2
GB KH