Sera Aqua-test Box (+ Cl)

The sera aqua-test box is a water test kit with 9 water tests (including chlorine) to check the most important water values in freshwater and garden ponds.

Determine water values
pH value, carbonate hardness (KH), ammonium and nitrite are among the most important water parameters. Extreme deviations from the target values can suddenly become an acute danger to life. Whenever the appearance or behaviour of the fish is conspicuous, or other peculiarities (eg sudden dying of aquatic plants) in the aquarium are noticeable, the basic water values should be checked first. For routine control, the easy-to-use test strips can be used. For more accurate results, we recommend the test of the sera aqua-test box in a sturdy plastic case.
Total hardness, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, iron, copper, chlorine, silicate and oxygen should be known to the experienced aquarist as averages in his aquarium. Checking these values every now and then is usually enough. If suspected (eg poisoning, algae problems, shortness of breath) these parameters should be examined more closely.

The sera aqua-test box in a practical carrying case contains all the necessary materials for checking the water parameters in the aquarium. For the cuvette cleaning as well as the possible dilution of the sample (phosphate and copper test) the delivery includes 250ml sera aqua-dest.

The following values can be checked with the sera aqua-test box:

PH value
In order to stabilise the pH value, the carbonate hardness should always be at least 5 ° dKH, otherwise, there is a risk of acid levels plummeting! Please always measure the carbonate hardness (with the sera kH-test) and increase the carbonate hardness to at least 5 ° dKH (in the aquarium with sera KH / pH-plus) and also test just before you change the pH-value ,

GH Test
In the habitat of most fish, the soil is rather low in minerals. In many parts of the world, however, it is the other way round. Water is hardened by the minerals magnesium and calcium dissolved in the rain. With the sera GH test, the total hardness can be determined quickly and accurately.

KH test
The carbonate hardness (KH) stabilizes the pH. It catches fluctuations that, for example, can be caused by the biodegradation processes in the aquarium and garden pond and the carbon dioxide consumption of the plants. A too low carbonate hardness (below 5 ° dKH) is the cause of strong pH fluctuations (risk of acid levels dropping!). KH values between 5 and 10 ° dKH stabilise the pH values in the aquarium. Malawi and Tanganyika cichlids require higher pH and KH values.

Ammonium / ammonia test
High levels of ammonium indicate a disturbed bacterial milieu or an undeveloped activity in the filter. Ammonia (NH3) is very dangerous and is produced at pH values above 7 from ammonium (NH4). Even ammonia values of 0.02 mg / l lead to long-term gill damage. Therefore, the pH should always be measured in addition to the NH4 value.

Nitrite Test
Nitrite is produced in the aquarium and garden pond as an intermediate degradation product of the fish excrement. Too much nitrite is dangerous. Nitrite is produced from ammonium and is broken down by the filter bacteria to nitrate. Therefore, in addition to the nitrite content, ammonium and nitrate levels should also be checked regularly.

Nitrate Test
Nitrate is detected easily, quickly and safely with the nitrate test. If algae proliferate, the nitrate value is expected to be over 50 mg / l and quickly becomes a problem.

Phosphate Test
In natural, uncontaminated waters phosphate contents are rather low and in short supply. In the aquarium or garden pond, concentrations of 10.0 mg / l and more often occur. They are produced by strong fish stock, phosphate-rich feed and phosphate-containing plant fertilizers. High phosphate levels in combination with high nitrate levels often lead to excessive algae growth.

Iron Test
Iron is one of the most important micronutrients for aquatic plants. Too little iron is detrimental to them, but too much iron can damage the fish. Not every type of iron can be used by the plants, so iron contained in tap water can be disadvantageous. Yellowed plant leaves (iron chlorosis) are clear signs of iron deficiency. Values higher than 0.5 mg / l are harmful to fish and plants.

Chlorine Test
Drinking water is often disinfected with added chlorine. Chlorine destroys filter bacteria and has a strong corrosive effect on the gills and mucous membranes of fish. With the sera chlorine test, you can easily determine if the tap water contains chlorine.

Our expert Oliver Knott recommends:

With the sera aqua-test box you always keep an eye on your water values - completely independently!