Hanna Alkalinity Checker error messeage.

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I just received my new regent today, I tested twice and I keep getting the error message of 20.0, it states to dilute the sample and I am not sure how to do that. Any ideas on how to proceed? my last reading was 11.2 so for a week I have not added any PH Buffer and and I have halved my All for Reef from Topic Marine, I use Tropic Marine salt, this is a 7 gallon tank, I have done a 42 once water change per day.
Thanks in advance

 

[MACHO]

I just received my new regent today, I tested twice and I keep getting the error message of 20.0, it states to dilute the sample and I am not sure how to do that. Any ideas on how to proceed? my last reading was 11.2 so for a week I have not added any PH Buffer and and I have halved my All for Reef from Topic Marine, I use Tropic Marine salt, this is a 7 gallon tank, I have done a 42 once water change per day.
Thanks in advance

i would assume it's talking about sample water to dilute

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Yeah that is what I thought but by how much is the mystery.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is unlikely the alk is above 20 dKH, and there may be some other error going on.

Try testing some new salt water.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Thanks I will test my newly made SW, and let everyone know.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I just rechecked my Tropic Marine salt made in Germany, when I put the reagent in the color is a deep blue, so my reads are the same 20.0.

So 10 ML of tank SW, clean vile, then add the reagent push the button again after it read C2 goes straight to 20.0. Reagent expires on 01/2024

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

So I checked my 120 gallon FO tank with no added additives the ALK is 6.3. I use Instant Ocean.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd make up some IO exactly like the TM and see what you get.

Might be a bad batch of the TM, or a batch that has settled.

 

[jsker]

My I please have the model number of the checker that you are using.

I have the HI-722, the process is
Add 10 ml of aquarium water to the cuvette and twist on lid, clean
Press the Botton unit you seen C1
Add the sample water to the checker and press the button
Pull sample and the reagent. Mix the reagent with the water in the cuvette, place lid back on
Wipe cuvette and place back in checker, the press the button for the reading.

Things that I have found. I always use a new syringe and tip for the reagent. This seems to work for a consistent test. I would re use the syringe and tip, I would get and inconsistent reading with doing so.

I use pipes and tips with my tests now.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

My Checker is H1772
The tip and syringe are new they came with the Reagent.
I have mixed the bag of TM salt and I am making another small batch.
I have done the test process as noted above.
I will mix up the Instant Ocean as noted above.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I just made that batch and it tested at 8.5. Time to start shaking my bags of salt.
Thanks everyone
How fast should I bring down the ALK in my 7 gallon Nano tank with coral?

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

My AlK has gone from 20.0 to 11.4 today with basically 3 water changes of 100% in a 7 gallon nano. My reads are still high.