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easy to use tests for accurate measurement of high range pH 7.4 - 8.6 and alkalinity buffer capacity. Includes liquid testing agents, easy to read color charts, test tube, instructions, and buffer supplement.pH Indicator, 0.51 fl. oz.Alkalinity Indicator, 0.51 fl. oz.Buffer Supplement, 0.85 fl. oz.test tube with ml markings clearly marked and stoppercolor scaleseasy to follow instructionsIntroduction To pH And AlkalinityThe pH is a very important parameter in the biology of aquatic organisms. It is a measure of the acidity or basicity of the water. The scale runs from zero to 14. Zero is the most acidic. Seven is neutral and 14 is the most basic. The pH scale is not linear, but logarithmic. A change of one pH unit, for example from seven to six, means that the water gets ten times more acidic.Due to its chemistry, salt water is able to absorb a certain amount of acidic matter without a resulting change in pH. The substances in the water that do this are called buffers. The ability to withstand changes in pH is called buffer capacity. Based on a method of measuring buffer capacity, it is referred to as the alkalinity of seawater. In some of the literature alkalinity is termed "carbonate hardness" or "kh carbonate buffer". This is exactly the same measurement as is measured in the Alkalinity Mini-Lab test.pH And AlkalinityThe pH of natural sea water varies geographically in the world's oceans between 8.1 and 8.4. On a local scale the pH is however remarkably stable. This is due to the dissolved buffers mainly bicarbonates, which prevent pH changes. Because of the enormous volume of the ocean, a nearly inexhaustible stock of buffers are present. The sea can take up large amounts of acids without a noticeable change in pH.Compared to the sea the volume of a marine aquarium is very limited and therefore the alkalinity is also limited. As fish produce acid waste products and as the buffering substances are used up by calcareous algae and invertebrates, the buffer capacity may become so low that the pH could suddenly fall. This would be very dangerous to all organisms in the aquarium.The alkalinity is measured in so called milli-equivalents of alkaline substances for example sodium bicarbonate per liter. These alkaline substances have the power to prevent pH drops. The alkalinity of natural sea water is approximately 2.5 milli-equivalents per liter. This level should also be maintained in the marine aquarium.A common symptom of an unsuitable pH is pH stress. Especially in the marine aquarium, unsuitable pH values are very stressful to fish, and increase the chance of the fish being susceptible to disease marine white spot. To maintain a correct and stable pH, check the pH and alkalinity weekly.