Dkh not doing anything

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 6, 2016

Bozoman said:
I'm not saying the pH in itself is an issue at that level, nor that a slightly high pH in itself is a sign of imbalance, but rather that in a typical reef tank (that isn't dosing kalkwasser) getting pH to 8.5 is unusual

That is true, and it is probably testing error, but might be poor aeration.

justingraham · Oct 6, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
That is true, and it is probably testing error, but might be poor aeration.

Are u saying my ph level is a testing error?

twilliard · Oct 6, 2016

Yes I used to use triton and plan in the near future to continue.

Bozoman · Oct 7, 2016

I think he is referring to human error in titration tests. And it does seem like the most likely culprit. If you get 3 different results from 3 Mg tests in a row it is either a bad test kit, or less than ideal testing procedures.

http://www.titrations.info/titration-errors

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 7, 2016

justingraham said:
Are u saying my ph level is a testing error?

A pH of 8.5 without using limewater or a high pH two part is most often testing error, yes.

justingraham · Oct 7, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
A pH of 8.5 without using limewater or a high pH two part is most often testing error, yes.

Well my probe is calibrated so I don't know how this is my error

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 7, 2016

Calibration fluids can go bad. pH 10 solution can drop in pH over time on exposure to CO2, and then the pH will read higher than it really is. Or it might just have become miscalibrated for some reason, or it might be accurate.

Fully aerated seawater with an alkalinity of 9 dKH and using normal air will have a pH of about 8.3. Indoor air often has more CO2 in it and will result in a lower pH.

Almost no one who is not dosing limewater has a pH above 8.5.

justingraham · Oct 7, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Calibration fluids can go bad. pH 10 solution can drop in pH over time on exposure to CO2, and then the pH will read higher than it really is. Or it might just have become miscalibrated for some reason, or it might be accurate.

Fully aerated seawater with an alkalinity of 9 dKH and using normal air will have a pH of about 8.3. Indoor air often has more CO2 in it and will result in a lower pH.

Almost no one who is not dosing limewater has a pH above 8.5.

Ok well I used the fluid from when I bought the apex (about a month ago) when I originally set it up. I calibrated it then and it's never changed. I'll grab more calibration fluid to see if the apex ones were bad.