Products & Shop

JBL GH Test
GH quick test to determine the total hardness in freshwater aquariums and ponds

  • Archive
  • Archive
  • Archive
  • Archive
Product information sheet Instructions
There are successor products for this item:
PROAQUATEST GH General hardness
  • Simple and reliable control of water values in ponds/aquariums. Determines the ideal total hardness for freshwater aquariums and ponds
  • Colour change test: fill plastic cuvette with sample water, add reagent drop by drop until colour changes from red to green. Number of drops = level of GH (total hardness)
  • When to use: for setting up a new aquarium: once a week
  • Online Laboratory: regular control for a healthy aquarium/pond with conditions close to nature. JBL has water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests for every water analysis. Testing aquarium water for healthy, clear water
  • Package contents: 1 quick test, GH Test. Incl. reagent and plastic vial. Refill reagent avaiable separately
Find out more
Price: 0,00 €
Recommended retail price incl. VAT
Price: 0,00 €
Recommended retail price incl. VAT
Instructions

You may also be interested in

Product information

Healthy aquarium/healthy pond with conditions close to nature
The right water values are dependent on the fish stock and the plants in the aquarium/pond. Even if the water looks clear it can be contaminated. With bad values diseases or algae can appear in the aquarium/pond. To maintain a healthy aquarium/pond with conditions close to nature it is important to check and adapt the water values regularly.

For each water analysis JBL provides water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests. These determine a certain value or several values in one go. With these water tests you can recognise algae problems and negative nitrate, nitrite, potassium, magnesium values etc.

Why test?
Depending on origin and consistency of the subsoil, water may contain varying quantities of alkaline earth salts, usually in the form of calcium and magnesium salts. General hardness, by definition, is the sum of calcium and magnesium ions suspended in the water. Most fish and plants thrive well at a general hardness of between roughly 8 and 20°dH. Excessive total hardness values, should, however, be counteracted by the appropriate measures.

JBL Online Laboratory
Regular control for a healthy aquarium/pond with conditions close to nature. Enter your water values into the JBL Online Laboratory and get an in-depth analysis of your values within seconds.

Recommended general hardness values:
Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): 8-25 °dGH
Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: 5-20 °dGH
Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): 3-10 °dGH
Marine aquarium: not measurable with GH test because GH too high. Please test calcium and magnesium separately
Pond: 6-20 °dGH

Details
This product is unfortunately no longer available

JBL GH Test Set

Art. no.:
2535000
EAN Code:
4014162253507
Content:
Volume packaging:
0.3 l
Gross weight:
36 g
Net weight:
24 g
Weight factor:
1000
Packaging dimensions (l/h/w):
35/125/70 mm

Properties

Animal species: Arowana, Axolotl, Barbels, Bettas, Bichirs/reedfish, Blowfish, Catfish, Cichlids (South America), Crayfish, Danions, Discus, Dwarf shrimps, Flowerhorn, Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppy, Juvenile fish, Killifish, Livebearers, Loaches, Mussels, Panchaxes, Rainbowfish, Snails, Spiny eels, Terrapins, Tetra, Tropical terrapin, Veiltails, Water turtles, freshwater butterflyfish
Animal size: For all animal sizes
Animal age group: All aquarium fish
Volume habitat: For all aquariums
Material: Ammonium hydroxide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (free acid), eriochrome black, purified water, ethanol
Colour: red
Dosage: 5 ml sample water, add reagent drop by drop, count drops, sway after each drop until colour change takes place from red to green

Electronic label / illuminant

Mercury: No
Dimmable: No
This product is unfortunately no longer available

JBL GH Reagent

Art. no.:
2535100
EAN Code:
4014162253514
Content:
refill
Volume packaging:
0.45 l
Gross weight:
27 g
Net weight:
10 g
Weight factor:
1000
Packaging dimensions (l/h/w):
30/140/107 mm

Properties

Animal species: Arowana, Axolotl, Barbels, Bettas, Bichirs/reedfish, Blowfish, Catfish, Cichlids (South America), Crayfish, Danions, Discus, Dwarf shrimps, Flowerhorn, Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppy, Juvenile fish, Killifish, Livebearers, Loaches, Mussels, Panchaxes, Rainbowfish, Snails, Spiny eels, Terrapins, Tetra, Tropical terrapin, Veiltails, Water turtles, freshwater butterflyfish
Animal size: For all animal sizes
Animal age group: All aquarium fish
Volume habitat: For all aquariums
Material: Ammonium hydroxide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (free acid), eriochrome black, purified water, ethanol
Colour: red
Dosage: 5 ml sample water, add reagent drop by drop, count drops, sway after each drop until colour change takes place from red to green

Electronic label / illuminant

Mercury: No
Dimmable: No
FAQ
Where can I find the record sheets for the documentation of my water analysis?

Have you lost your record sheets, already filled them all in or do you need them in another language?
With the following links you can quickly and easily print out your new record sheets with recommendations for the individual parameters at home and document the water analyses.
deutsch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=de&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
English: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=en&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
französisch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=fr&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
niederländisch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=nl&mod=files&func=show&id=11164

Why are there no colour charts for GH. KH, Mg /Ca saltwater and CO2 direct?

The tests from the test range: JBL GH test, JBL KH test, JBL calcium test Ca and JBL magnesium test Mg, where the number of drops are counted until the colour changes and the counted value is multiplied by a value:

GH = number of drops = general hardness in °dH

KH = number of drops = carbonate hardness in °dH

CO2 = number of drops * 2 = CO2 in mg/l

Magnesium + calcium = number of drops * 120 = amount Ca + Mg in mg/l

Calcium = number of drops * 20 = amount Ca in mg/l

Magnesium = amount Ca+Mg from magnesium test - amount Ca in mg/l = magnesium in mg/l

What can I do when the measured value of a water test falls outside the scale?

If one of your measurements reaches the end of the colour chart scale you can multiply the scale by diluting later tests with distilled water (e.g. JBL Dest).

Here’s how to do it: dilute the sample with distilled water and carry out the test once more.

This works in detail as follows:
GH test: Instead of 5 ml use 10 ml aquarium water. Now 1 drop is equivalent to 0.5 dGH.
KH test: Instead of 5 ml use 10 ml aquarium water. Now 1 drop is equivalent to 0.5 dGH.

Note: when using 10 ml sample water the colour development is weaker with the first drops than with 5 ml sample water. Put the measuring container on a white underlay for a better readability.

NH4/NH3 ammonium/ammonia, NO2 nitrite, Fe iron and Cu copper:
2.5 ml sample + 2.5 ml dist. water: result times 2
1 ml sample + 4 ml dist. water: result times 5
0.5 ml sample + 4.5 ml dist. water: result times 10

NO3 nitrate, SiO2 silicate, PO4 phosphate sensitive and Mg magnesium freshwater:
5 ml sample + 5 ml dist. water: result x 2
2 ml sample + 8 ml dist. water: result x 5
1 ml sample + 9 ml dist. water: result x 10

PO4 phosphate koi high range:
2.5 ml sample + 2.5 ml dist. water: result x 2
1 ml sample + 4 ml dist. water: result x 5

K potassium:
7.5 ml sample + 7.5 ml dist. water: result x 2
3 ml sample + 12 ml dist. water: result x 5
1.5 ml sample + 13.5 ml dist. water: result x 10

K potassium in marine water:
1. Fill 10 ml of sample water with distilled water to 300 ml.
2. Follow the instructions for fresh water.
3. Multiply the test result by a factor of 30.

CO2 direct, Ca calcium and Mg+Ca magnesium+calcium: not required.

What is the shelf life of the JBL GH-Test ?

The JBL GH test has a shelf life of 2 years in the original sealed bottle.

The following is printed on the bottom of the packaging:

CH/B: 2253 (e.g.) = batch number
BBD: 05/13 (e.g.) = best-before date.

Please note that the best-before date does not apply for opened reagents. Exposure to atmospheric oxygen decreases the shelf life.

Do my water tests still work although they have been open for nine months?

Basically a sealed test keeps longer than an open one. How much the shelf life is reduced depends crucially on the handling and the storage conditions of the reagents. It may happen that a reagent in a test that has been open for 9 months doesn’t indicate correctly any more. However, additional information is needed to answer this question properly.

Blog (opinions & experiences)

Misunderstandings – typical beginner mistakes

Based on our own experience in customer service and the many messages and questions we receive, we have put together the typical mistakes beginners may make. The experienced aquarist might well smile, but if they are honest, these are mistakes we all made at the start, aren’t they?

Find out more

Time For A Change - Pros And Cons

Think back to your childhood. Your bedroom was a small area for you to let your imagination run free. And unsurprisingly you felt like re-decorating and rearranging it at least every three weeks.

Find out more

How often do you need to test your pond or aquarium water?

Granted, nobody really enjoys testing water. It’s time-consuming and sometimes you’re not sure which colour on the chart your water result matches. But water testing really can be lifesaving – at least for your fish!

Find out more

Why is the KH higher than the GH?

Many aquarium owners think that the general hardness represents the total of all minerals and the carbonate hardness only a part of it. Then how can the carbonate hardness sometimes be higher than the total of minerals?

Find out more

Testing Water in the Jungle

Our 15 expeditions have taught us something new: In natural waters nitrogens (ammonium/ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) and phosphates are ALWAYS scarce and below the limit of detection. Only when humans have an influence on the natural water, can nitrogens and phosphates be found.

Find out more

Outline: Fertilisation in the Aquarium

The JBL plant care concept leads to vigorous and healthy growth even with the most demanding aquatic plants. JBL has all the components you need, whether it’s a fertiliser, a bottom substrate or a fully automatic CO2 fertiliser system.

Find out more
Press
15.11.2016

Terraristik-Tierärzte informieren sich über JBL Wassertests

Auf der 46. Arbeitstagung der DGHT AG ARK (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie, Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Amphibien und Reptilienkrankheiten) vom 11.-13.11.2016 in Gera trafen sich 160 Tierärzte, um sich über Themen von Chirurgie bis Magnetresonanztomographie bei Schildkröten auszutauschen.

Find out more
17.09.2014

The JBL colour chart booklet now available

Active water testers need new colour charts for their water tests from time to time. JBL is now selling a replacement for the complete colour chart booklet, which contains brief instructions and colour charts for all the water tests.

Find out more
27.07.2011

JBL and aquarium keepers help save the environment

Fast jeder Aquarianer testet Wasser und benötigt regelmäßig Nachfüllpacks für seine Wassertests. Bei JBL kann er für jeden Test Nachfüllreagenzien erhalten und schont so sein Portemonnaie und die Umwelt.

Find out more
Laboratories and calculators

Water Analysis Online Laboratory

Enter your water parameters and get an in-depth analysis of your values in a matter of seconds. You enter your water values – and we analyse! Here you have the opportunity to enter the measured water values directly into the JBL Online Laboratory. This will analyse your values and explain and submit corrective measures.
Reference guide (Themeworld)

Diseases

Recognising and treating fish and invertebrate diseases

Deficiency symptoms

Here’s how to prevent deficiency symptoms in fish and plants

Testing water

Testing water – the most important step to understanding your aquarium. Why is water testing necessary?

Daily care

How much daily or weekly care is involved? What are the basic maintenance measures for your aquarium?

Fish breeding in aquariums

Would you also like to breed your fish? What do you have to consider when breeding?

Fish species

Which fish species suit your aquarium? What demands do the fish species have?

Invertebrate species

What invertebrate animals are suitable for your aquarium? What demands do invertebrates have? What do you need to consider for their care?

Adding

How to catch fish properly without causing them stress? How to transport and add fish?

Planning and stock

Which fish are compatible? What do you need to consider when selecting fish?

Water tests

What water tests are available? How do water tests work? How do you test properly?

Water values

Which water tests are important? How can you achieve perfect water values?

Plants

Which aquarium plants are best? What’s the best way to plant them?

Biotope (habitat) aquarium types

A real piece of the Amazon or, with the Congo, a piece of the heart of Africa. A habitat (biotope) aquarium is a challenge. Can you emulate nature?

Aquascaping aquarium type JBL Dreamscape®

Mountains, valleys, meadows and fish! Create your dreamlike landscape under water with the Dreamscape® aquarium

Rocky reef aquarium type JBL Malawi Rocks®

The fish of Lake Malawi are as colourful as the fish in the coral reefs. This aquarium brings a bit of freshwater reef into your living room

Jungle aquarium type JBL Rio Pantanal®

A bit of jungle river in your living room. Lively underwater action! No problem with the JBL Rio Pantanal® aquarium

Goldfish aquarium type JBL Goldfish Paradise®

Lively goldfish in the aquarium enhance any room perfectly! Invite some new flatmates into your home with this goldfish aquarium.

Testing water

Water can look crystal clear and still contain a deadly poison such as arsenic. Unfortunately we are unable to assess the quality of the pond water by looking at it.

Rainwater

Rainwater gradually softens your pond water. What consequences does this have for your pond?

Seasonal maintenance

Which seasonal maintenance is needed? What do you need to remember when?

Fish care

How do you protect your new fish? What to remember when caring for fish?
Download

Instructions

spare parts

assortment Test Colour Charts 

Colour charts for JBL water tests

Testlab empty + inserts 
accessories

component set for water tests 
Customer reviews

Reviews

0 Reviews

safety information in accordance with GHS

Signal word: Danger

Hazard symbol

  • GHS05
  • GHS02

Risk phrase

H226: Flammable liquid and vapour.
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

safety note

P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P210: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
Your opinion is important to us
specialist dealers near you
Sustainability at JBL
Download catalogue

A word about cookies before we continue

The JBL Homepage also uses several types of cookies to provide you with full functionality and many services: We require technical and functional cookies to ensure that everything works when you visit this website. We also use cookies for marketing purposes. This ensures that we recognise you when you visit our extensive site again, that we can measure the success of our campaigns and that the personalisation cookies allow us to address you individually and directly, adapted to your needs - even outside our website. You can determine at any time - even at a later date - which cookies you allow and which you do not allow (more on this under "Change settings").

The JBL website uses several types of cookies to provide you with full functionality and many services: Technical and functional cookies are absolutely necessary so that everything works when you visit this website. In addition, we use cookies for marketing purposes. You can determine at any time - even at a later date - which cookies you allow and which you do not (more on this under "Change settings").

Our data protection declaration tells you how we process personal data and what purposes we use the data processing for. tells you how we process personal data and what purposes we use the data processing for. Please confirm the use of all cookies by clicking "Accept" - and you're on your way.

Are you over 16 years old? Then confirm the use of all cookies with "Noticed" and you are ready to go.

Change settings
Only absolutely necessary
Allow all

Cookie settings

Historie anzeigen
Cancel Save

PUSH messages from JBL

What are PUSH messages? As part of the W3C standard, web notifications define an API for end-user notifications that are sent to the user's desktop and/or mobile devices via the browser. Notifications appear on the end devices as they are familiar to the end user from apps installed on the device (e.g. emails). Notifications appear on the end user’s device, just like an app (e.g. for emails) installed on the device.

These notifications enable a website operator to contact its users whenever they have a browser open - it doesn’t matter whether the user is currently visiting the website or not.

To be able to send web push notifications, all you need is a website with a web push code installed. This allows brands without apps to take advantage of many of the benefits of push notifications (personalised real-time communications at just the right moment).

Web notifications are part of the W3C standard and define an API for end user notifications. A notification makes it possible to inform the user about an event, such as a new blog post, outside the context of a website.

JBL GmbH & Co. KG provides this service free of charge, and it is easy to activate or deactivate.