The NT Labs Hardness Test Kit provides a simple, easy to use testing kit for determining GH and KH  levels in ponds and freshwater aquariums. The NT Labs Hardness Test Kit comes complete with test tube and liquid reagents to provide accurate results for up to 80 tests.

What is KH?
KH, also known as “total alkalinity” or “carbonate hardness”, is a measure of the buffering capacity of the water in your pond or aquarium. The buffering capacity refers to how well it can resist changes in pH.

What is the correct KH level?
This test kit measures KH in dKH (where one dKH = 17.8 ppm as CaCO3). It is essential to maintain a minimum KH level of at least 4 dKH at all times. A KH of between 6 and 8 dKH is more desirable.

What do I do if the KH level is wrong?
Check the KH level of your tap water. If the level is above 6 dKH, then regular water changes should keep the KH value in the pond topped up at a reasonable level. If the KH value of your tap water is below 6 dKH, you will need to add a KH buffer such as NT Labs KH Buffer Up to your pond or NT Labs Aquarium KH Up - PH Stabiliser for an aquarium.

What is GH?
General Hardness is a measure of the total amount of minerals dissolved in the water. Water hardness lies on a spectrum between ‘soft water’ or ‘hard water’ depending on the amount of dissolved minerals: the more minerals present, the greater the hardness. Hard water is responsible for the build-up of limescale.

What is the correct GH level?
This test kit measures GH in dGH (where one degree = 17.8 ppm as CaCO3). For pond fish, between 8 and 12 dGH is ideal whilst for aquarium fish the correct GH depends on the type of fish being kept. For soft water species, aim for a GH of around 3 to 6 dGH, whist for hard water species, 10 to 15 dGH is the correct range.

What do I do if the GH level is wrong?
Test the GH of your tap water. The GH of tap water is determined by whether you live in a hard or soft water area. If the water is too hard for the fish being kept, alternative waters can be used, such as reverse osmosis water, to lower the GH. In ponds, where rainwater tends to lower the GH with time, NT Labs GH Minerals Up can be used to boost the GH back to a suitable level. To increase the GH in an aquarium, calcium carbonate rocks (like ocean rock) can be used to provide a continual source of GH minerals.

Cut Off Time

Order by 2pm for same day dispatch - Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays)

Please Note: Direct/Palletised Delivery items may take longer.

Orders Under £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - £3.99
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £5.99.

Orders Over £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - FREE!
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £2.99.

Timeframes are for standard mainland UK addresses only excluding NI, Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Palletised Deliveries

Some large oversize products, typically items weighing more than 30kg, may require delivery via pallet and as such will arrive as a kerbside delivery only. The drivers in these instances are unfortunately not permitted to assist with the pallet beyond the drop off, and cannot aid in bringing packages into the property.

Pond Planet will contact you to book in delivery on a suitable working day. Delivery will generally take place between 9am and 5pm. To ensure there are no delays with delivery, please include a contact number when placing the order.

Pond Plant Deliveries & Surcharge

Pond plants are subject to a £5.00 delivery surcharge. Pond plants are sent directly from our supplier to make sure the plants you receive are fresh and in great condition. There is no limit on how many you can order for a single delivery charge. This charge is in addition to any other carriage costs for items sent directly from Pond Planet. Please allow 5 -10 working days for delivery.

Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase from Pond Planet, you may return the product(s) to us within 14 days of the purchase date for a refund or exchange.

Goods must be returned in perfect and unused condition, in their original packaging. The buyer must ensures that the goods are securely and adequately packed to avoid damage and the purchaser pays all postage costs. We recommend that products are returned by recorded delivery or by a carrier that requires a signature. Pond Planet accepts no responsibility for goods returned to us unless signed proof can be provided.