{"title":"water tests","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"salifert-calcium-test","title":"Salifert Calcium Test Kit - 50 tests","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eCalcium is a major constituent of calcareous algae, skeletal material of hard corals and the skeletal needles of soft\/leather corals. Calcium also fulfills many biological functions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eQuite often a too low calcium concentration retards coral and calcareous algae growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eNSW contains 400 – 450 mg\/L calcium. Which is also the value we should strive for. For a stable aquarium environment the fluctuation in calcium content should preferably not more than approx. 15 mg\/L. This automatically means that the calcium test should be able to monitor comparable fluctuations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eConclusion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eIn a healthy aquarium growth and multiplication of corals, desired calcareous algae and other organisms results in calcium depletion. Because of the importance of calcium timely corrective measures would have to be taken. For that purpose a proper calcium additive together with an accurate test kit are required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eOur calcium test\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eis capable in resolving the calcium content in 10 mg\/L steps. The color change is sharp and facilitates the detection of small but highly significant fluctuations in the calcium concentration. Salifert is the only one in offering a true accuracy and precision as claimed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe kit can perform approx. 50 - 100 measurements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salifert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55775583797577,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28181510.png?v=1793204239"},{"product_id":"salifert-magnesium-test-kit-50-tests","title":"Salifert Magnesium test Kit - 50 tests","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eMagnesium is present in NSW in a fairly high concentration (1300 - 1400 mg\/L). Magnesium is an essential part of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis plants, including algae and the corals, which we usually have in our aquariums, would not be able to live.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMagnesium has another important function since in fact makes maintaining the correct combination of calcium concentration and alkalinity or carbonate hardness possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe explanation is as follows. Calcium forms with carbonates and bicarbonates an insoluble compound called calcium carbonate. Yes this is indeed an important building stone for corals and calcareous algae but then it should be formed by biological processes and be deposited at the right place. Therefore formation of calcium carbonate by chemical processes should be avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eEven without biological interference calcium carbonate would be formed and would deplete calcium and alkalinity or carbonate hardness without fulfilling any function. In fact it will scavenge many important trace elements as well lowering the trace element concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/salifert.com\/pt\/mapt.jpg\" width=\"170\" height=\"198\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMagnesium slows down this negative process. The lower the magnesium concentration the faster this negative process will take place and also at a much lower calcium and alkalinity\/carbonate hardness value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMaintaining a correct magnesium concentration is therefore very important and is indirectly responsible for fast coral and calcareous algae growth by virtue of making the maintenance of correct calcium and alkalinity figures possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMagnesium is depleted by algae and is also depleted by the use of excessive kalkwasser and by going far beyond natural calcium and alkalinity and pH values.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThere are also certain brands of salt, which have or had a dramatically low magnesium content. Use of such a salt will result in permanent problems with calcium and carbonate hardness values.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eConclusion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe measurement of magnesium and taking corrective measures are justified. Magnesium additives should be such that no ionic imbalance is created. Furthermore many magnesium salts contain sufficient amounts of ammonia to upset biological balances. Very high-grade magnesium salts are therefore required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMagnesium is an element which was neglected for a long time. The magnesium content of some aquariums appears to be rather low when tested. Corrective measures have to taken for a balanced reef system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe Salifert magnesium test\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eis very straightforward and does not suffer from calcium and strontium interferences when within certain bounds. It measures in sufficient accurate steps of 30 mg\/L with a sharp color change. The kit can perform approx. 50 measurements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salifert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55775707103561,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28182147.png?v=1793204544"},{"product_id":"salifert-kh-test-kit-50-tests","title":"Salifert KH Test Kit - 100 tests","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eCalcium alone cannot form the skeletal material of corals and allow calcareous algae to grow. Some other substances are needed as well. A few other constituents are carbonate and bicarbonate. These two substances also have a major impact on the stabilization of the \u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/salifert.com\/pt\/khpt.jpg\" width=\"170\" height=\"198\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003epH in the proper range of 8.1 – 8.4. Such stabilization is also called buffering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe total carbonate and bicarbonate concentration is also called carbonate alkalinity or carbonate hardness. The only difference between alkalinity and carbonate hardness is a conversion factor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eNSW has an alkalinity of approx. 2.7 meq\/L or approx. 7.5 dKH when expressed as carbonate hardness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eFor a stable system the alkalinity or carbonate hardness should have a value similar to NSW or slightly higher and should preferably not fluctuate by more than 5%. This means a maximum fluctuation of 0.14 meq\/L or 0.4 dKH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eTherefore an alkalinity test kit should be capable in measuring in steps smaller than 0.14 meq\/L.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eConclusion: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eSince the major buffer components used for coral and calcareous algae growth are bicarbonate and carbonate, they should be added to correct any decrease in alkalinity or carbonate hardness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eA proper formulated buffer should function in such a way that the corrective measures results in a long lasting effect and should not upset the pH of the system. The alkalinity or carbonate hardness should be kept as stable as possible requiring highly sensitive and accurate means for testing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eSalifert KH\/Alk test\u003c\/b\u003e is very straightforward. It \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003emeasures in sufficient small steps of 0.1 meq\/L or 0.3 dKH \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003e with a sharp color change. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThis makes detection of important yet small change possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe kit can perform approx. 100 - 200 measurements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salifert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55775838732617,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28182834.png?v=1793204933"},{"product_id":"salifert-nitrate-test-kit-50-tests","title":"Salifert Nitrate Test Kit - 60 tests","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eNitrate testing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eWhen an aquarium has insufficient regions deprived of oxygen (= anaerobic zones) or denitrification proceeds incompletely then nitrate will build-up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eA too high nitrate concentration can result in unwanted algae-growth and these might irritate corals in their neighborhood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eNitrate as such also retards coral growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe nitrate concentration in a proper functioning reef aquarium should preferably be lower than 1 mg\/L. Fish-only aquariums would usually show much higher nitrate concentrations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMost test kits use a procedure in which a certain part of nitrate is converted chemically into nitrite and is measured as such.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eOnce again, just as with nitrite testing, amine interference has a major impact on the measured value. If such an interference occurs concentrations much lower than actual will be measured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eConclusion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eMany nitrate test kits are prone to amine interference. This can give results much lower than actual.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe Salifert nitrate test\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003edoes not suffer from such an amine interference. The very special ingredients allow a very fast and precise measurement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThe range spans from very low to a very high nitrate concentration (approx. 0.05 – 20 mg\/L as Nitrate-Nitrogen or 0.2 – 100 mg\/L as nitrate ion).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"\u003eThe kit can perform approx. 60 measurements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salifert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55776115163465,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28184206.png?v=1793205791"},{"product_id":"salifetrt-phosphate-test-kit-50-tests","title":"Salifert Phosphate Test Kit- 50 tests","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ePhosphate has several negative effects if present in a too high concentration. First of all undesirable algae growth might result. Making an aquarium an unpleasant sight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ePhosphate also blocks or retards the growth of corals and calcareous algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eOne of the scientific studies shows that a phosphate concentration higher than 0.05 mg\/L decreases the growth of calcareous algae by 90%!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eWashing fish food, which is a rich source for phosphates in a sieve after thawing reduces the input of phosphate tremendously. Also avoiding use of phosphate-rich low-grade activated carbon helps keep phosphate levels as low as possible. Checking the activated carbon for phosphate prior to use is therefore highly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp lang=\"en-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eSince phosphate can have major consequences when present in a concentration above 0.05 mg\/L a test kit should be able in detecting even lower concentrations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp lang=\"en-US\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eSalifert phosphate test\u003c\/b\u003e already detects, within seconds, 0.015 mg\/L of phosphate. This makes phosphate measurement highly reliable and informative allowing timely measures to be taken. The kit can perform approx. 50 measurements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salifert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55776172704073,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28184543.png?v=1793206141"},{"product_id":"colombo-carbonate-hardness-kh-test-kit-40-tests","title":"Colombo Carbonate Hardness (KH) test KIT - 40 tests","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"pp-content-grid-post-title\"\u003eCarbonate Hardness (KH) test\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pp-content-grid-post-excerpt\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional drop test for precise determination of KH in seawater. The handy visualised instructions for use, included test tubes and accessories make testing easy. Titration test set, simplify testing by using the Colombo test stirrer. The contents in the pack are sufficient for 40 tests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Colombo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55776386416969,"sku":null,"price":9.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/5827\/5657\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-28185332.png?v=1793206428"}],"url":"https:\/\/aquariumprime.com\/bg\/collections\/water-tests.oembed","provider":"Aquariumprime Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}