GH Tests

[angelminx]

Carl,

I have a quick question on GH test kits.  Because the Wonder Shells tend to keep my GH levels high (usually:  ~8 drops/degrees for my tap water, and a tendency to be anywhere from 15-25 degrees in my tanks..depending on water changes) I go thru my GH reagents VERY quickly.  Is there a test kit you can buy that is just for GH?

Angelminx

[Deleted]

Hi Angelminx,

As far as I can tell, API does not make available just GH. Here are some other brands:
SERA GH (many reviewers say this is easier to read than API)
AZOO GH
ELOS AquaTest GH (more expensive)

Judy D.

Edit: Just found another listed on Amazon (as an "add on purchase" only) -- S.T. International Aquarium General Hardness Test Kit

[Carl]

I generally use the 5 in 1 Test Kits, as all I am looking for is trends, not micro managing any one item,

Once you have established what your GH levels average and have managed these numbers, the need for many test should not be needed

Carl

[angelminx]

Thanks, guys.

I plan on getting a new Gh test kit, to have on hand "in case of emergency", and will eventually get another of the 5 in one Test Kits...the problem with them is that you only get 25 tests (ad in 2 tanks and that's only "12" tests!).

Angelminx

[Carl]

Feb 14, 2015 16:57:55 GMT -5 angelminx said:

Thanks, guys.

I plan on getting a new Gh test kit, to have on hand "in case of emergency", and will eventually get another of the 5 in one Test Kits...the problem with them is that you only get 25 tests (ad in 2 tanks and that's only "12" tests!).

Angelminx

For me, these were actually cheaper (the 5 in 1), as time was money and if I could make one quick dip and know everything I needed (I also usually had a SeaChem Ammonia Alert), this took only a couple of minutes versus 10-15 minutes which by the end of the day meant I often could get in 1 or 2 less clients of which the value was much higher than the cost of a 5 in 1 test kit

Carl

[Deleted]

Thanks Carl,

I haven't done a liquid GH or KH test on any of my aquariums since August....I got a GREAT deal on 100 test strips. Bought some for myself and my son -- as "time is money" (grin). I still do check pH with the liquid test kit at least once a week (as a drop in pH can indicate a drop in KH as well).

Judy

[devonjohnsgard]

I'm thinking the GH is being tested to much. I check my tank like once every couple weeks. More if I'm dialing something in, but once I have the numbers, I don't have to test as often. I have both 5 in 1 and liquid tests on hand.

[angelminx]

I'm basically trying to find that "sweet spot" with my GH, but mostly, when I am using the MWS, they are in constantly (for the recommended amount of time), so that's when my GH really swings up. Generally I only test once or twice a month or so, but as I said, I really go thru the reagent quickly since I use so many drops per test.

Angelminx

[devonjohnsgard]

K, remember even 20-25 dgh is going to be fine, so there should be no worries. Around 30 would be a problem, but I have never seen my GH climb that high with normal doses of WS.

[angelminx]

I do occasionally run into that problem (30 degrees).  That's why I've been a little bit paranoid about my GH.

[Carl]

Feb 17, 2015 17:33:37 GMT -5 angelminx said:

I do occasionally run into that problem (30 degrees).  That's why I've been a little bit paranoid about my GH.

This is where finding a sweet spot and using less WS should help you over the long term. I have found over the years and via my tests that you do not need the recommended dose of WS to get the Redox benefit (unfortunately the makers or at least those who have inherited the company have no idea about this product they sell).

The result should be less stress and more enjoyment of your fish

I can state when operating in So. Calif. where the tap water was quite high in GH, even the addition of a full dose Wonder Shell never brought the GH over 500 ppm. Once the GH approaches a certain level (which varies a bit), they simply slowed considerably with their dissolving

Carl