Alkalinity

[Drich5150]

Just did a test and it showed zero is that possible? Used salifert test. Did a water change yesterday tested all today and everything is in the right parameters but alkalinity. I assumed id have some did i just test wrong first time for this test.

 

[Billdogg]

Unless you are testing pure ro/di water, yes, that's an impossible number. I'm gonna guess you skipped a step or got them way out of order. Try again!

 

[Garf]

Zero would mean it changes colour instantly, are you Reading the syringe backwards?

 

[Drich5150]

Just did it again twice to the instructions and this is the color i get to when i run out of solution in syringe.

 

[Drich5150]

Its not turning pink at all

 

[Garf]

It’s too high, not too low, look at the chart on your instructions. Refill the syringe and add more until it changes colour, the add the amounts together. Shouldn’t be that high though.

 

[Drich5150]

I'll try that

 

[Drich5150]

Okay you were right not zero but 15 wow now to bring it down.

 

[Billdogg]

If you are dosing, stop and allow it to come down on it's own. Depending on the demands of your corals, it may take a few weeks. Also - what salt are you using? Some are very high in Alkalinity - you might consider switching to something that is more in line with your target parameters.

 

[Billdogg]

I forgot to add - because of your abnormally high Alk, you may find that some will precipitate out, especially on the impeller magnets in any pump you have in the tank. I'd strongly suggest you take them apart for a good cleaning soon, and again after things return to normal. Although it may be a pia, it's way cheaper than replacing the impellers when the pumps all fail!

 

[nereefpat]

Okay you were right not zero but 15 wow now to bring it down.

Not adding any "buffer," are you?

 

[Drich5150]

No buffer.

 

[nereefpat]

Hmmm. Not dosing anything? What salt mix are you using?

 

[Uncle99]

That’s a good question, which salt is mixing to 15?
I would turn that bag, bucket or box over several times to remix, then, retest a new batch, from 0tds RODI, and check that number again.

Then confirm it stays 15.

 

[Drich5150]

Was in a pinch so got salt water from lfs not sure of the salt brand. Well not be doing that again. Lesson learned