There is no definitive correct pH (permanent hardness) as different fish species have their preferred pH range.

For example, most aquariums the ideal pH value is between 7 and 8, but there are some exceptions:

• Discus typically prefer it to between 6.0 and 6.5, especially if you wish to breed them.
• General community aquariums and garden ponds between 7.0 and 8.0.
• Most African Rift Lake cichlids like it between 8.0 and 9.0.

When purchasing fish from your local aquatic retailer, always enquire as to the specific water requirements of the fish you are buying.

Permanent Hardness (pH):

• The pH describes one of the most important chemical properties of your water, the balance between acid and
• All fish, plants, and micro-organisms react very sensitively to drastic and rapid changes to the pH value.

If you do need to adjust the pH of your aquarium, it is vital to do this slowly to not shock the fish. Change no more than 0.5 pH units per 2 days. Providing your tap water is of suitable pH, substantial water changes can correct a dangerous pH level. It is also important to check the KH of the aquarium. Use of pH adjusters, such as KH Up – pH Stabiliser will raise the pH caused by soft or aged water. For fish that live in soft, acid water use bogwood to gently lower the pH and soften the water.

NT Labs Narrow pH Test Kit will help you understand the importance of water quality. By having the correct parameters and good water quality, it will help your fish and plants live longer, healthier lives.

Highly accurate, the NT Labs Narrow pH Test Kit contains liquid reagents which work by changing the colour of a water sample in relation to the concentration of a given substance. Simply compare the colour of the sample to the easy-to-read colour charts or count the number of drops it takes to alter the colour of the sample.

The tests are liquid drop tests from a calibrated dropper bottle, so all the drops are the same size. Just add your aquarium water to the test tube and count the drops needed. The back of the box details clear pictorial instructions so you can see what to do from the start. A set of colour coded stickers is provided to label both the test tubes and test tube lids, so you always conduct the same test in the same test tube avoiding contamination. Full instructions are included detailing optimum levels and suggestions for correction.

Suitable for tropical and coldwater aquariums. For brackish or marine set ups, we recommend you use NT Labs Marine Labs Test Kits to obtain the most accurate results.