Use of the MBreda Calcium Test Kit:

1. Transfer 5 ml of aquarium water into the glass tube
2. Solution A: Add 5 drops
3. Solution B: (Shake the bottle before use) Add 3 drops and shake to homogenize
4. Solution C: Place the micro nozzle that comes with the kit in the dispenser (1 ml syringe) fill with solution C up to the 1 ml mark, note that there is an indication on the plunger nozzle (rubber) where it should be at the 1 ml mark after full. This indication point will be used for reading after the titration of the solution.
5. Add solution C drop by drop into the glass tube, stirring well after each drop, until the color changes from wine to blue, then read the final marking on the meter.
6. Use the conversion table to define the amount of CA calcium.

See the Kit usage illustration:

Calcium Determination:

The MBreda Calcium analysis kit is based on complexation reactions between calcium elements and a chemical ligand, according to the reaction below:

This reaction has high stability under the operational conditions used, reacting preferentially with Ca2+ species. For Ca analysis using the Ca MBreda Kit, solution A has the function of adapting the reaction medium to make the reagents selective for calcium, solution B is a complexation indicator that shows when we have reached the end point of the titration and the solution C is the one that defines the concentration of Calcium in solution.

The gradual addition of solution C, using the micro-doser syringe, must be accompanied by vigorous agitation to ensure complete reaction.

The color change from red to blue indicates that the number of moles of Ca2+ and the ligand were equal in the reaction, and directly indicates the concentration of calcium in the water.

The added volume of solution C listed in the table accompanying the analysis kit, indicates the concentration of calcium in the water in ppm (parts per million).

Correction of calcium concentration in the aquarium:

When the calcium concentration is below the ideal for aquariums with corals, it is important to supplement with Reef Basis A MBreda® for marine aquariums. To define the amount to be added, use the formula below:

Where: Reef Basis Mass A = MBreda product for calcium supplementation for marine aquariums.

The result expresses the mass in grams of the solid product that must be added to the aquarium. See Reef Basis A usage recommendations.

Ca(intended) = Calcium concentration you want to have in the aquarium. Express the result in ppm. Ideally for marine aquariums with corals the value is 400 to 480 ppm.

Ca(current) = Current calcium concentration of aquarium water, determined by the Analysis Kit.

V(Aquarium) = Aquarium water volume expressed in liters.

Example:

Volume of water in the aquarium = 100 L

Calcium concentration determined by the Ca MBreda Kit = 200 ppm of Ca

Desired calcium concentration for aquarium water = 440 ppm Ca

Calculation:

1) Reef Basis Mass A (g) = Ca(intended) – Ca(actual) x V(Aquarium) x 0.004

2) Mass of Reef Basis A (g) = (440 - 200) x 100 x 0.004

3) Mass of Reef Basis A (g) = (240) x 100 x 0.004

4) Mass of Reef Basis A (g) = 96 g

Result: Add 96 g of Reef Basis A in 100 L of water as recommended by the product.

Precision and accuracy of the Ca MBreda Test Kit

Precision: 10 ppm +/- 3% reading

Accuracy: 25 ppm

Important note:

To maintain good accuracy in the tests, after each test is performed, wash the micro doser, the test tube and the syringe well with RO or distilled water (In the micro doser, fill and empty with RO water for 5 times) . The lack of cleaning will leave residues of solution C in the cylinder and in the plunger of the doser, consequently, it may change the concentration of solution C in the next use, causing a margin of error in the reading of the calcium concentration.

When using again, confirm that the micro doser is dry, with no splash of cleaning water.

Number of tests that can be made with the MBreda Calcium Test Kit:

Calculation made according to the calcium concentration and solutions available in the Kit.

Composition:

Sodium hydroxide, titration solution, EDTA, distilled water

Guidelines and Care:

Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Corrosive liquid can cause skin burns and eye damage.

Important: Wear gloves and goggles.

Developed and manufactured by:

MBreda Indústria e Comércio Aquapaisagismo Ltda.