Help reading API test strip

[MidnightF66]

I just did a water change. It seems my KH is really high, but I can't tell. I have a api liquid KH tester coming in sometime next week

 

[andrewey]

Yes, it does look high (>13dkh), however I wouldn't do anything with this information personally. I would wait on your other test kits to come in before making any decisions. It's possible that your new saltwater had a high alkalinity (as some mixes do), but I would just be speculating whether that was the cause or whether the result is trustworthy to begin with.

 

[MidnightF66]

I'm currently using fluval sea salt. Now how did you get that number? Is there a calculator I could use to get said number?

 

[andrewey]

Absolutely, I really like Hamza's Reef calculators. The particular one I used is here, https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/AlkConversion.php

The general reef calculator page is here: https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/

 

[andrewey]

I don't have experience with the salt myself, but from what I can see, it should mix up to a max of 10dkh. Are you using any other buffers/ph boosters or additives?

 

[NashobaTek]

How accurate are the test strips? I have never used them.

 

[andrewey]

Anecdotally, I have found them to be inaccurate in the few times I've used them for certain parameters and I've run into reports over the years of other users having similar experiences. As the few parameters I routinely test have liquid versions that are relatively inexpensive, I choose those to try and eliminate a possible contribution towards testing error.

 

[NashobaTek]

Anecdotally, I have found them to be inaccurate in the few times I've used them for certain parameters and I've run into reports over the years of other users having similar experiences. As the few parameters I routinely test have liquid versions that are relatively inexpensive, I choose those to try and eliminate a possible contribution towards testing error.

Thanks for the info, I use the liquid kits, granted they are API but some day I will get the Hanna or siefert kits.

 

[MidnightF66]

I don't normally use them, but they are good in a pinch when you need it. Since I didn't have the KH liquid test kit, I just grabbed the 4 test strips until I could order the liquid test

 

[Adam Schindler]

The day I ditched api test kits is the day my tank began making a turnaround. I never realized how off they could be until I compared to my salifert and Hanna checkers later down the road. They may be more expensive, but it’s nothing compared to a tank crashing. Good luck with your tank!

 

[andrewey]

Thanks for the info, I use the liquid kits, granted they are API but some day I will get the Hanna or siefert kits.

API gets a bad rap, but I've always found their liquid calcium and alkalinity to be pretty accurate. I prefer other test kits (e.g. Salifert, Red Sea, DIY) for ease of use and increased resolution, but I don't have anything bad to say about those parameters. I'm not a fan of their nitrate, phosphate, or pH test kits.

 

[NashobaTek]

So far the only issue I have with the API is it keeps saying my pH is low, but my ALK is 9dkh. Everything is growing well.