Instruction for the carbonate hardness test

Water quality plays a central role not only for our consumption, but also for the care of terrariums. In particular, the carbonate hardness content, which indicates the amount of calcium carbonate in the water, is relevant for terrarium care.
Using water that is too hard leaves unsightly limescale stains on the glass surfaces. AquaGuard, our efficient water softener, successfully removes limescale from the water for clearer, cleaner spray water.
To know how much AquaGuard you need, it is crucial to measure the carbonate hardness of your water. Below is a simple and accurate guide to testing carbonate hardness so you can spray your terrarium without unsightly water stains.

Tips:

  • Conduct the test in a well-lit area to better see the colours.
  • Compare the colour as soon as possible after the 30 seconds, as the colour of the strip can change over time.
  • Store the test strip in a cool, dry place to ensure their shelf life.

 

1. Preparation

  • Fill a clean glass or container with the tap water to be tested.

 

2. Perform test

  • Hold the test strip directly in the tap water for 5 seconds.
  • Make sure that the yellow test area gets completely wet.
  • Pull out the test strip and shake it gently to remove excess water.

3. Waiting time

  • Wait for 30 seconds.
  • Avoid touching or moving the test strip during this time.

4. Colour balance

  • Now compare the colour of the test strip with the colour scale.
  • Read the result and determine the carbonate hardness of your water.

0 °d

3 °d

6 °d

10 °d

15 °d

20 °d

Result

  • If the colour is light, the carbonate hardness is low
  • If the colour is dark, the carbonate hardness is high
  • Note the exact values

 

Disposal

  • Throw the used test strip in the trash
  • Do not use a test strip twice

 

Dosage

  • For a carbonate hardness of up to 8° dKH, please add 2 ml AquaGuard per 1 litre of spray water
  • If your carbonate hardness is between 8° and 15° dKH, 4 ml per litre of spray water is recommended
  • For values between 15° and 25° dKH, you should use 6 ml per litre of water
Pour the required amount of AquaGuard directly into the storage tank of your sprinkler system or into your spray bottle.
We hope that this guide has helped you to effectively measure the carbonate hardness of your water and thus determine the optimal dosage of AquaGuard for your terrarium. Proper use of AquaGuard will help prevent calcium stains and create an appealing and healthy environment in your terrarium.
 
If you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service. Good luck and enjoy your terrarium!