The KH test kit measures the carbonate hardness and you should find it in
the fish stores, etc. near the pH test kits. It is, in my opinion, a more
important test than the pH. If the KH is where it belongs, the pH will be
rock solid. It is a simple drop test, where you add one drop of test
solution at a time, shake it, and then another and shake. At the value of
the number of drops, the color changes rather drastically, and you stop
adding drops and go to the chart to see what the value is. Some measure
directly in degrees of hardness which is 17 ppm, so 5 drops would equal 5
degrees or 85 ppm.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
"Robin" wrote in message
news:4PZMc.186707$XM6.157221@attbi_s53...

"RichToyBox" wrote in message
news:5pYMc.160758$%_6.117957@attbi_s01...
The filter bacteria produce acid, which will cause the pH
to fall. In
addition, the high quantities of rain water that you have
had, is somewhat
acid to start with, so I would expect your pH to be low.
To assure a stable
pH, you should test for KH carbonate hardness, and be sure
that it is over
80 ppm, which will help the filter bacteria work better,
as well. To raise
the KH, use common baking soda, a little at a time until
the pH is stable
and doesn't change with any more additions. Then you can
add as much as you
want without affecting the pH, or the fish.
--

Thanks for the advice, but could you spell it out for me a
little more. I'm not an idiot, just a newbie... LOL What
is KH and how do I test for it? I have seen PH test kits,
and amonia test kits, but haven't seen one for KH??


RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
"Robin" wrote in message
news:i5UMc.27556$eM2.20101@attbi_s51...

"Robin" wrote in message
news:G8mMc.174112$XM6.135587@attbi_s53...


Thanks for the PH warning, what are the best ways to
increase and level the PH. Also we have alot of summer
rain
here. 16 inches in June. How does this affect the
water
and ph levels?

Robin
http://community.webshots.com/user/robinandtami