GH testing

[rvdbarnes]

Hi all

Iv recently got a new tank and am setting it up for discus....

Iv just bought a tetratest GH test, but the instructions aren't very clear, it mentions colour changes from red to green and blue to yellow....

However as i add drops to the water sample it just goes greener. and greener AND GREENER!!!

Has anyone used this test? or know how to use it?

cheers

Lee

[DR.V]

You add one drop, then give it a shake. If theres no change, then add another drop.

See how many drops is required for the colour to change.

HTH

[rvdbarnes]

Hi, thanks for the reply,

After adding one drop the water goes a very slight green colour, then the more drops i add the stronger the colour gets....

How do i tell when i reach the GH reading?

Lee

[Merrilyn]

Welcome to the forum Lee.

I gather you are in Melbourne, or at least Australia.

The test is telling you that it takes about half a drop to change colour. In other words, your water is VERY soft, less than one degree of hardness.

That means that there is nothing to buffer your pH and you will need to watch it carefully for pH crashes.

Adding some calcium to your water, in the form of shellgrit or crushed coral will add the missing calcium and minerals, and keep your pH more stable.

[rvdbarnes]

Hi there!

what made you think i was from australia?

im from sheffield, UK!!
:D

Thanks for the welcome and info! i will see what i can do with it.....

Lee

[Merrilyn]

Oooooops my mistake :oops:

Soft water is something we have lots of here in Australia.

Looks like you have the same type of water there too.

Everything I mentioned still applies.

[DR.V]

Welcome to the forum Lee,

Might want to put your location down in your profile

It helps people when they're giving you advice

Good luck