Increasing the hardness of carbonate
The carbonate hardness in aquarium water, both fresh and salt water, is to be at 4 – 6 minimum. It is difficult
to stabilize the pH-value when it is under this limit. Acids which reduce the carbonate hardness are permanently
produced by biological procedures (e. g. germ reaction). Another carbonate hardness consumer is the filtering
over peat or the setting in of other hard acids. A weekly control of the carbonate hardness is to be executed in
case of peat filtering. If the value is under 4 KH (in fresh water) the carbonate hardness is to be increased.
Therefore, we recommend the aqua+KH tablets by Aqua Medic.
5. Maintenance and Care
The quantity of CO
dissolved in the water depends mainly on the carbonate hardness. The higher it is, the more
2
CO
gas is dissolved – at the same pH-value. The harmfulness limit of the CO
concentration also depends on
2
2
the carbonate hardness.
A so-called free carbonic acid (dissolved CO
gas) belonging to it is necessary in order that the calcium and
2
magnesium ions (those which build carbonate hardness in connection with CO
gas) keep being dissolved. The
2
free carbonic acid belonging to it (also called equivalent carbonic acid) is important for the plants. The
equivalence between carbonate hardness builder and CO
is stipulated from pH 7.1 – 7.4 for fresh water (8.1 –
2
8.4 for salt water). This quantity of CO
is not dangerous for fish, it does not depend on the carbonate hardness.
2
The plants consume the equivalent carbonic acid at the assimilation (photosynthesis). If it is not permanently
supplemented, the carbonate hardness builder can break down (so-called biogenetic decalcification). This should
be avoided in any case.
It is very important to replace only the CO
and not to supply the aquarium with more CO
. For a balanced
2
2
ambience it is important to get the calcium carbonic acid equivalence. The plants only receive enough CO
2
(carbonic acid) when this equivalence is maintained.
6. Warranty conditions
AB Aqua Medic GmbH grants the first-time user a 24-month guarantee from the date of purchase on all material
and manufacturing defects of the device. Incidentally, the consumer has legal rights; these are not limited by
this warranty. This warranty does not cover user serviceable parts, due to normal wear & tear ie: impellers or
drive wheels etc. The original invoice or receipt is required as proof of purchase. During the warranty period,
we will repair the product for free by installing new or renewed parts. This warranty only covers material and
processing faults that occur when used as intended. It does not apply to damage caused by transport, improper
handling, incorrect installation, negligence, interference or repairs made by unauthorized persons. In case of
a fault with the unit during or after the warranty period, please contact your dealer. All further steps
are clarified between the dealer and AB Aqua Medic. All complaints and returns that are not sent to
us via specialist dealers cannot be processed. AB Aqua Medic is not liable for consequential damages
resulting from the use of any of our products.
AB Aqua Medic GmbH - Gewerbepark 24 - 49143 Bissendorf/Germany
- Technical changes reserved – 09/2019/v5
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