WHAT IS CARBONATE HARDNESS
A Carbonate Hardness test is a test of the carbonate and bicarbonate extent contained in a sample of water. It affects all aquaria, both salt and fresh. It is called many names, according to the jargon of an industry or country of origin of the test kit.
CARBONATE HARDNESS = ALKALINITY=kH(German) =ACID BINDING CAPACITY.

The units used to measure Carbonate Hardness depends on the name of the Test Kit. For instance, if the Test Kit is called Alkalinity, the test would be measured in milliequivalents. kH test kits usually use dH (German) and Carbonate Hardness is usually measured in ppm (parts per million).
(10//ppm = 1 meq/1 = 2.8dH (German).

STABILITY OFpH
The Carbonate Hardness of water is an important measurement, both in freshwater and marine because the level of Carbonate Hardness is the basis for the value of the pH in a given sample of water. A strong Carbonate Hardness reserve in water can mean a very stable pH and the bonus of an alternative supply of carbon dioxide for plants and algae if supply runs short in an aquarium. This applies equally for marine or freshwater aquaria.

Freshwater aquariums are recommended to have...

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This topic goes on to cover -

• Carbonate Hardness and plants
• Carbonate Hardness and invertibrates
• Raising Carbonate Hardness in marine systems
• Stabilising and adjusting pH in freshwater aquariums

Published by AQUASONIC