How to Read PH Test Results

PH testing strips are helpful in determining the acidity or alkaline qualities in a fish tank, gardening soil or even your own urine or saliva. Determining pH can help you regulate your fish, your plants and your bodily health. PH testing kits are inexpensive and easy to read.

Things You'll Need

• Acid and base indicator pH test kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Dip a pH testing strip into the liquid to be tested, or, if testing soil, moisten the soil and rub a little against the strip. The strip will change color.

• 2

  Compare the color of the strip to the color chart on the back of the testing kit. Colors indicating 1 to 6.5 mean the tested substance is acidic; colors indicating 7.5 to 14 mean it is basic. Colors reading around 7 mean the substance is neutral.

• 3

  Use another test strip to check your results. Retest the substance as before on a clean strip. Compare the two strips to make sure they are the same color.

• 4

  Take the necessary steps to change the pH of the tested substance, or simply leave things as they are if the substance tests at the correct pH.