Have You Checked Your Alkalinity Today?

[Vw reefer]

i dont have a very accurate test kit API to be exact. I get the slightest lightning of color when i do 9 drops and goes completely changed at 10. What test kit is best to get more resolution so i can see to .1? I have been debating a hanna checker for alk since i want one for phosphate

 

[Velodog2]

I recommend RedSea very highly. I'm not a big fan of the Hanna company - far too many quality problems with reagents, poor customer service, and marginally designed products.

 

[Vw reefer]

I've got the red sea titration for mg and I do like how it reads I will look into their alk test

 

[Velodog2]

I've got the red sea titration for mg and I do like how it reads I will look into their alk test

Not sure what you mean by that. The Alk test is far simpler than the Mg test procedure, but the reading method is the same. You have to look at a syringe. You may not like it if that's a problem for you.

Edit - and obviously I have a problem reading things other than tests. Sorry, thought you said do not like how it reads. Nevermind.

 

[ritter6788]

i dont have a very accurate test kit API to be exact. I get the slightest lightning of color when i do 9 drops and goes completely changed at 10. What test kit is best to get more resolution so i can see to .1? I have been debating a hanna checker for alk since i want one for phosphate

The API works fine. If you read it where the color just starts to change it matches the Hanna and the Salifert closely. One more drop to get the full color change is 1 dkh higher than the Hanna.

 

[Vw reefer]

but thats reading in 9-10 its one or the other and sometimes its a little more color change at 9 than other times. So i cant get anything better than 9/10 with api. no 9.4 no 9.8 going full sps and evertually having an apex for dosing and monitoring i want to get it as stable as possible not just 9/10 i want it to be 9.4/9.6 all the time

 

[lakeviewink]

but thats reading in 9-10 its one or the other and sometimes its a little more color change at 9 than other times. So i cant get anything better than 9/10 with api. no 9.4 no 9.8 going full sps and evertually having an apex for dosing and monitoring i want to get it as stable as possible not just 9/10 i want it to be 9.4/9.6 all the time

Go with the Hanna. But, check your results from time to time with a RSP or Salifert,etc. to make sure. The Hanna doesn't rely on your ability to see a color change, dispensing drops correctly, etc. I waited a long time before getting the Hanna but now I'm really glad I did, it measures in ppm so it's a lot more precise if that's what you are looking for. Happy reefing!

 

[swissgaurd]

great thread.
is there a specific time of day you like to test for alk.
for example so many hrs after lights been on,early in morning,lights off.before feeding,etc..

thanks
vic

 

[ritter6788]

great thread.
is there a specific time of day you like to test for alk.
for example so many hrs after lights been on,early in morning,lights off.before feeding,etc..

thanks
vic

Time of day shouldn't make much difference. When first starting out dosing for alk it wouldn't hurt to test more than once per day especially when manually dosing. If you're getting an alk drop in a day while dosing then you need to spread the dose out, smaller doses more times per day to keep alk swings at zero.

You really can't test it too often but it's not like pH where it rises and falls due to light cycle. You want it to be the same all day everyday 24 hours a day.

 

[Diesel]

Been following thread and testing will be done a little easier in the hopefully near future with the Mindstream Aquarium Monitoring System.
Although my Hanna checker isn't that complicated to do but all improvements will help us reefers to enjoy your tank more.

Mindstream aquarium water monitor is aiming to make a huge splash

 

[swissgaurd]

Time of day shouldn't make much difference. When first starting out dosing for alk it wouldn't hurt to test more than once per day especially when manually dosing. If you're getting an alk drop in a day while dosing then you need to spread the dose out, smaller doses more times per day to keep alk swings at zero.

You really can't test it too often but it's not like pH where it rises and falls due to light cycle. You want it to be the same all day everyday 24 hours a day.

thankyou
vic

 

[ritter6788]

Been following thread and testing will be done a little easier in the hopefully near future with the Mindstream Aquarium Monitoring System.
Although my Hanna checker isn't that complicated to do but all improvements will help us reefers to enjoy your tank more.

Mindstream aquarium water monitor is aiming to make a huge splash

Interested in seeing how well that works. Keep us updated.

 

[Diesel]

Interested in seeing how well that works. Keep us updated.

Yeah, me too as let me guess.................................. almost everybody in the Salt water hobby.
I defiantly have my name on two of them when they are available.

 

[swissgaurd]

I was at my local bulk barn and I noticed a tub that said baking sodaand it said aluminum free.just wondering if the arm and hammer baking soda contains aluminum.

vic

 

[Dashiki]

Been following thread and testing will be done a little easier in the hopefully near future with the Mindstream Aquarium Monitoring System.
Although my Hanna checker isn't that complicated to do but all improvements will help us reefers to enjoy your tank more.

Mindstream aquarium water monitor is aiming to make a huge splash

I have plans on one of these the second I can get one. im an early adopter.

 

[mcarroll]

I was at my local bulk barn and I noticed a tub that said baking sodaand it said aluminum free.just wondering if the arm and hammer baking soda contains aluminum.

Sounds like baking powder (which is baking soda + other things, including aluminum), not baking soda (which is more or less pure).

-Matt

 

[swissgaurd]

I just googled it arm and hammer is 100% aluminum free

 

[tonythefish]

180 mixed reef. I started with BRS two part and got to a point I had to dose ~ 60 ml of each in a 24hr period. Now I only use two part for adjustments when needed and use a Calcium Reactor at full tilt . I maintain 450ca and 7.5dkh with no more dosing swings. I have noticed much better growth rate with some sps colonies 1 foot wide.

Stability is the key

 

[TommyP]

My alk is a little low at 6.7. fresh sw tested 9 when during a water change. I orderd the full shabang from brs 2 part. What should I bring my alk to? I see 9 as a comfortable # but also read that people have it high 7's..

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Just tested 7.8 Red Sea alk