Review on 🌊 Aquarium Water Test Kit - API Carbonate Hardness Test Kit by Chris Perez

I love all API products. Their test kits are easy to use and calibrated to use the same amount of water in the sample tubes. This is very convenient as you don't have to keep track of which tube goes with which test reagent. Some pet stores don't usually have carbonate hardness test kits, but this is a very important water quality parameter. Sufficient carbonate in the aquarium water is also a great help for fish species that are not choosy about the water hardness in order to prevent the water from becoming too acidic. As dirt builds up in the sand or gravel of the tank, its decomposition can cause the water to become more acidic over time. Not only does the carbonate reduce the acidity of the water, but more importantly, it acts as a buffer that helps stabilize the pH of the water. Even fish and plants, which can tolerate varying levels of acidity, are very sensitive to rapid changes in water pH. Rapid changes in water parameters are almost always harmful to fish and plants. The only exception might be that if your fish is starving for oxygen at the top, aeration and surface turbulence will quickly bring more oxygen into the water. If the ammonia content in the aquarium increases, the water can also become more acidic. The more acidic the water becomes, the more toxic ammonia becomes to fish. Many things can cause water pH shifts, and carbonate helps prevent slowdowns and prevent those shifts that can kill fish and plants. Carbonate hardness does not typically need to be checked as often as other water parameters. I usually test mine about once a month so this test kit will last a long time even with multiple aquariums.