How do I test the PH and softness/hardness?

Hi,

I live in Hartbeespoort Dam and I would like to know how I can test the PH of the water. The water I use is not out of the dam (thank goodness) but out of a borehole.

If someone knows the PH of this water, please let me know or at least tell me how I can test it. I cannot afford a test kit at this time so please help me.

Also, how do I test the softness or hardness of the water or should I phone someone?

Thanks,
SAMollyBreeder

 

take a water sample to :
a) a university lab
b) LFS
c) A friend that has the correct equipment

 

If it is out of a borehole then it is most likely to be hard with a high PH, depending of course on what the ground/rock is like that surrounds the water table.

 

@Khalid : I will try that. Thanks

@larch : It passes through a softener so I'm not sure about that?

Thanks

 

Ideally you should try get 3 results and work out an average. Obviously a Lab would give you the most perfect answer, but my experience with LPS and with friend's test kits... they are never accurate. I've seen one test kit show a pH reading of 8.0 and the exact same water gives me 7.4 on another test kit.

 

So what do you guys test your acidity levels with, if not with an inaccurate test kit?

 

dont really bother with it to be honest.

 

SAMB, I would suggest getting a TDS or Electrical Conductivity meter. Compared to the price they sell these ph/kh/gh solution kits (which are not accurate to begin with) they really are not that expensive. Either one works fine, as you can find a conversion table on the net. All you need is then to find what TDS/EC suits your fish best, and get your water to those parameters.

Just a word of caution, I had water from 2 borehole's tested and they showed high nitrate levels. So doing water changes with that water would result in replacing what you wish to remove.

Rgds,

Marco

 

Hi SAMB, i live near harties and i got two boreholes on my farm both test at a ph of 8 and kh of 6.

I use an 120l tank half normal water and half ro water to prepare water for my weekly wc with an airstone, pump and heater. It works for me even my neons are doing fine. Hope this help you a bit.