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These are the water testings we need to do to make sure the saltwater in the tank is good for the Horseshoe Crabs:
Ammonia Test:
We used an ammonia test kit, which drops 8 drops of 2 substances into the water from the tank to test the ammonia. Ideal ammonia quality is 0ppm. We are testing how much waste is in the water so the horseshoe crabs don't get sick.
pH
We check the pH which is how acidic or basic the water in the tank is. We compare the color of the litmus paper to the color on the bottle to see the pH.
Specific Gravity
We test this because pure water has a standard specific gravity (SG) of 1.000. If it changes, it means there are dissolved substances in the water, such as salt or sugar, and horseshoe crab will not like it.
Salinity
Salinity is the amount of dissolved salt in water or soil. It is usually measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or practical salinity units (PSU). Salinity affects water quality, marine life, and agriculture—for example, oceans have high salinity, while rivers and lakes usually have low salinity.
Carbonate
The carbonate test is a simple chemical test where dilute acid is added to a substance to see if it contains carbonate ions; fizzing occurs as carbon dioxide gas is released. Its purpose is to identify carbonate minerals or rocks, commonly used in geology to distinguish rocks like limestone from non-carbonate rocks.
Hardness
Measures the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in water. Its purpose is to determine how hard or soft water is, which affects soap efficiency, scaling in pipes, and overall water quality.
Nitrate
Nitrate is tested in a fish tank to measure the final waste product of fish and decaying organic matter
Nitrite
Nitrite is tested in a fish tank because it is a highly toxic fish waste product that can suffocate and kill fish, even at low levels
Total Chlorine
Total Chlorine
Total chlorine in a fish tank is the combined amount of free chlorine and chloramine in the water, and it is toxic to fish, so it must be removed with a water conditioner before use.
Free Chlorine
Free Chlorine
Free chlorine in a fish tank is active chlorine from tap water that is toxic to fish and beneficial bacteria, so water must be treated with a dechlorinator before use.
Testing Tool for Salinity and Specific Gravity
Testing Tool for Salinity and Specific Gravity
Testing Tool for Ammonia
Testing Tool for Carbonate, Hardness, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Nitrite, and Nitrate.
Thermometer
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