Alkalinity off?

[bryan oestreich]

I was using API test for alkalinity for the time I started 7months ago and was always getting a reading near 6-7 dkh. Well I jus got salifert alkalinity test as I hear there are more accurate. Which I tested this morning and getting a reading of 2.8dkh and I did the test twice back to back and same results.

Can I trust salifert? Or API?
What do u think I should do?

 

[CodyRVA]

Salifert is far superior to API. I'd say you're doing the test wrong. There are youtube videos out there on how to perform the test to make sure.

 

[shadow1013]

API are not too actuate. I switched from them to Red Sea.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Maybe you are reading the Salifert kit backwards? Much less than half a syringe would be added (much more than half remains in the syringe) to attain 2.8 dKH.

 

[bryan oestreich]

Salifert is far superior to API. I'd say you're doing the test wrong. There are youtube videos out there on how to perform the test to make sure.

It says to add 4ml of tank water in vial. Add 4 drops of KH Ind. Then fill syringe with KH reagent up to 1ml. Add drop by drop until color changes to red/orange or pink whatever comes first. Did this both times. I use .8 of the 1.0ml to turn it pink

 

[Saltine]

It says to add 4ml of tank water in vial. Add 4 drops of KH Ind. Then fill syringe with KH reagent up to 1ml. Add drop by drop until color changes to red/orange or pink whatever comes first. Did this both times. I use .8 of the 1.0ml to turn it pink

That would mean your DKH is 12.8

Salt

 

[bryan oestreich]

That would mean your DKH is 12.8

Salt

So the table is what's left and not how much I used?

 

[Saltine]

So the table is what's left and not how much I used?

Correct, I had heard some of the kits were sent with syringes that counted up instead of down, or vice versa, which caused confusion. But from my experience (I use hanna now but have salifert as backup) it was measure the amount that is left.

Salt

 

[bryan oestreich]

Okay sweet. Thanks so my alkalinity is on the high side but that's fine right?

 

[Saltine]

So the table is what's left and not how much I used?

Just youtube it to be sure, lots of people have walkthroughs on the test.

Salt

 

[Saltine]

Okay sweet. Thanks so my alkalinity is on the high side but that's fine right?

I'd say it's high, are you dosing or using Kalkwasser?

Salt

 

[bryan oestreich]

I'd say it's high, are you dosing or using Kalkwasser?

Salt

No I haven't put any dosing since 2 weeks ago and I've done 2 15% water changes since

 

[Saltine]

No I haven't put any dosing since 2 weeks ago and I've done 2 15% water changes since

I'd just stop dosing until they came down to wherever you prefer. My alk was at 11.5 so I just added less Kalk to my ATO, went from 5 TBS to 4 to 3 until I'm now sitting at Mid 9's.

Salt

 

[cmcoker]

No I haven't put any dosing since 2 weeks ago and I've done 2 15% water changes since

What salt mix, and what does the alkalinity mix to?

 

[bryan oestreich]

What salt mix, and what does the alkalinity mix to?

I been using LFS salt water. Haven't switched to mixing my own yet. I guess it would be good to find out what they use and I'll re test the water before I do my water change to see what they mix the alk at

 

[cmcoker]

I been using LFS salt water. Haven't switched to mixing my own yet. I guess it would be good to find out what they use and mix it at

Yep, would be good to know. I'd also test their specific gravity. My lfs water would often be 1.020 to 1.022..

 

[bryan oestreich]

Yep, would be good to know. I'd also test their specific gravity. My lfs water would often be 1.020 to 1.022..

Ya I use a refractometer so I keep it consistent they are usually anywhere in the 1.023-1.026 range.