Alkalinity test

[Cory]

Can i get an accurate alkalinity test when I have a bacterial bloom in the water? Using Salifert alk test.

 

[Spieg]

Any color metric test can be affected by visible particulates in the water (algae or bacteria). Probably not a huge difference in reading, but a little at least.

 

[Lasse]

Salifert use titrating - you are at the endpoint when it become a colour change. Its the change that is important- not the colour by itself. Yes - i think you can trust it - but maybe you do not see the same colour as usually

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Fishingandreefing]

Bacteria bloom goes away quick why not just wait till it clears then test.

 

[Cory]

I just did the test and it appears to be where expected. So all is good.

I cant wait because the bloom has lasted a few days without a skimmer and im tryimg to set up my doser as i just switched to a new tank. Skimmer was in yesterday and its better but not clear. So i tested.

The bloom was from Vibrant cleaner.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Can i get an accurate alkalinity test when I have a bacterial bloom in the water? Using Salifert alk test.

Yes.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Any color metric test can be affected by visible particulates in the water (algae or bacteria). Probably not a huge difference in reading, but a little at least.

It is a shade of color test, not an absorbance test. As long as you can see the color it is fine.