General hardness (GH) is commonly overlooked in many aquariums, but this parameter plays a very important role in your aquariums overall health. GH is the total mineral content of calcium and magnesium in the water. These are important for various biological functions in fish, invertebrates, and even plants. Deficiencies of calcium and magnesium can cause poor growth and faded colors in fish, molting difficulties in shrimp, improper leaf development on plants, or thin, brittle snail shells.

Freshwater systems will typically have a GH of 4-8 dGH (70-140 ppm). Soft water species like Discus prefer very soft water below 4 dGH (<70 ppm), while some African Cichlid Species prefer a GH above 8 dGH (>140 ppm).

To remove childproof safety cap, push down while turning.

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Holding GH Reagent Solution dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position add one drop at a time. Ensure you count the drops as they are added.
3. Cap the test tube and gently shake several times to mix solution after each drop or two.
4. The test is complete when the water in the tesst tube, after having been gently shaken, turns from ornage to green. If you have difficulty discerning the color after the first drop of test solution is added, remove the cap from the test tube and while holding it over a white background, look down through the tube. The GH value is determined by the number of drops of reagent that must be added to turn the water in the test tube green. See conversion chart to determine GH.

Corrective actions:

To raise GH, use Fritz RO Recharge or Rift Lake Cichlid Salt as needed to adjust the GH to your preferred level.