Alkalinity HELP!

JunkMan · Feb 12, 2014

I use a Hannah Checker for alkalinity and my reading is always around 7-8 dkh. Well today I used a Seachem magnesium test kit and did the test for total, borate and carbonate alkalinity. The total was 16 dkh, the borate was 5.6 dkh which makes the carbonate alkalinity 10.4 dkh. Can someone tell me the total, borate and carbonate alkalinity is or what and why these readings are different? I am now COMPLETELY lost.

Tanks in advance!!

Reefing Madness · Feb 12, 2014

Chemistry And The Aquarium: The Seachem Borate Alkalinity Test Kit ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog
Nothing wrong with 10.4dKH either.

ReeferEric · Feb 12, 2014

Was your Hanna checker acting up? Expired reagent?

Hanna checkers, alkalinity for me always hit the target with my Salifert kit. More then likely the Seachem kit is off or user error. I wouldn't worry about it if your just doing 2 part or such. Some of the more advance keepers that use zeovit and stuff or SPS keeps would worry.

JunkMan · Feb 12, 2014

No its in date in fact I just ordered and started using the reagents. Same results. Funny thing it seems no matter how much BRS two I dose the alk levels stay the same :/

Reefing Madness · Feb 12, 2014

Ok, have you tried Baking Soda?

JunkMan · Feb 13, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Ok, have you tried Baking Soda?

No but I have recently starting dosing a little Seachem Reef Builder which I believe does about the same as baking soda (I think). Doesn't raise the Ph like the 2 part does. I still have the two part dosing pump running at 2.2ml per hour. Dosing for 2 mins at the top of each hour.