UK
the neutral range around 7. A pH level of around 7.9 -8.5 should be maintained in marine
aquariums. Levels of 7-8.5 are ideal for garden ponds.
For precise measurements of the pH level in the range of 6.0 to 7.6, the range which is important
for freshwater aquariums (especially for the control of CO
2
fertilization), use the JBL pH Test
Set 6.0 – 7.6.
What to do in the event of deviations in the pH level
Freshwater aquariums:
pH levels can be reduced with JBL Aquacid. However, a more convenient way of adjusting the
pH level in freshwater is provided by the JBL PROFLORA CO
2
fertilization system because it
supplies aquatic plants with vital CO
2
at the same time.
pH levels can be increased by increasing the carbonate hardness with JBL AquaDur plus.
Marine aquariums:
pH levels can be increased by increasing the carbonate hardness with JBL CalciuMarin.
Garden pond:
Excessively high pH levels can be stabilised and reduced by increasing the carbonate hardness
with JBL Alkon combi.
Instructions:
1. Repeatedly rinse the test cup with the water to be tested.
2. Fill test cup with the water to be tested up to the 5 ml mark (CAUTION: the lower line of the
water level must coincide with the marking).
3. Add 4 drops of the reagent, stir brie
fl
y and allow to settle for 3 minutes.
4. Compare the resulting colours on white back-ground with the enclosed colour chart and read
the corresponding pH level.
For further details on the signi
fi
cance of the pH level in the biological system of your aquarium
see the JBL brochure entitled „Was - Wie - Warum?“ (What - How - Why?), No. 2. or No. 8 for
garden ponds.
Our tip for ecologically-minded users:
All reagents for JBL Test Sets are available from your retailer as economically-priced re
fi
ll packs.
Warning and safety notes:
Flammable
Keep out of the reach of children
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep away from heat sources and naked
fl
ame, do not smoke.
Nitrite (NO
2
):
Special features:
The JBL Nitrite Test Set NO2 is designed for the measurement and routine control of the nitrite
content in freshwater and marine aquariums as well as in garden ponds within the range 0.025-1.0
mg/litre (ppm). Using the compensation method specially developed by JBL, precise and reliable
results can be obtained even in moderately discoloured aquarium water, e.g. caused by peat
fi
lters
and disease treatment.
Why test?
The following applies to freshwater and saltwater as well as to garden ponds:
The process involved in the breakdown or the mineralization of organic matter in the aquarium (feed
and plant debris,
fi
sh excretions) follows the stages proteins - ammonium - nitrite - nitrate.
Certain bacteria are responsible for this process. Measuring the intermediate stages ammonium,
nitrite and nitrate allows certain conclusions to be made about the function of the “Aquarium sys-
tem”. Normally, ammonium and nitrite should not be allowed to enrich above concentrations of 0.2
mg/litre (ppm). If they do, the bacteria balance may be disturbed. Many of the mediations used
to treat
fi
sh diseases can damage bene
fi
cial cleansing bacteria, leading to an increase in nitrite
levels. As a rule, nitrite is not found in measurable amounts in a well-maintained aquarium with an