I'm having trouble reading results. I have been trying to reach target parameters using two part. I keep bouncing up and down. It is causing coral bleaching, stunned growth, and algae issues. My question is at what point is the alkalinity test completely done. There seems to be shades of red that it changes after blue.
Help with red sea test kits
- Thread starter Fishhands
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Hello Fish hand, I also have probs deciding when the alk test has colored enough for an accurate reading. I write the amount used when it 1st changes to that light red You speak of. I then add a few more drops. If it appears to darken . I write that number also. Then use the middle reading. Are You new to Red Sea kits? If So, After awhile You will get a feeling on the proper color. Remember the reading doesn't "have" to be right on.
They have a video that shows when you are supposed to take the reading
I take then reading when I can not see any more blue or bluish tint, holding it above white paper to read it helps, and TRY to use the same light source each time
I take then reading when I can not see any more blue or bluish tint, holding it above white paper to read it helps, and TRY to use the same light source each time
Damien Buckley
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The kit goes off the more you open it to the air. When you first buy them the liquid is dark red then turns directly blue. After a while (many tests) I find the reagent turns more of an orange colour and the colour change is less obvious. When I buy a refill I find the previous test is out by about 1dkh. Now I know, I account for the change over time.
TbyZ
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I've used sea water to determin what the stopping point is for these test kits.
I'll also make the point that every alk test kit I've used of RedSea' the end point color is yellow not orange!
Firstly, when the regent is first added the test water turns blue, then green & lastly yellow.
As soon as the test water turns yellow add one more drop of regent; this is the end point.
I'll also make the point that every alk test kit I've used of RedSea' the end point color is yellow not orange!
Firstly, when the regent is first added the test water turns blue, then green & lastly yellow.
As soon as the test water turns yellow add one more drop of regent; this is the end point.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Regardless of the color or the kit, if you have a pH meter, the test is done at pH 4.2 or so. 
GoVols
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I have used the Pro Alk kit for years.
Once you go threw the blue you may see a flash of gray then you hit the endpoint color.
It's not a certain color, you just stop and the endpoint color after the blue. The endpoint color could be pink / redish pink / or a peachy-orange. Also your refill's endpoint color may be say... on the red side when you first open the kit but over time you may see the endpoint become more of a peach - orange color due to oxygen contact with the fluid.
They need to update that old video and explain that's it not a certain color but you just stop pumping in fluid when your see a definite color change after the blue.
I hope this helps and RevSeaKev has posted about this many times.
Regards, GoVol
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GoVols
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@Fishhands
This is what I do.
When I see the color change then I push in one more drop for good measure. Then I read the syringe to get my reading.
So maybe it's not as accurate to a hanna alk checker reading as... "to the true alk in my reef", but since I do the same thing ever time with the Pro Alk Kit then I know at the least that my alk is stable in my reef.
This is what I do.
When I see the color change then I push in one more drop for good measure. Then I read the syringe to get my reading.
So maybe it's not as accurate to a hanna alk checker reading as... "to the true alk in my reef", but since I do the same thing ever time with the Pro Alk Kit then I know at the least that my alk is stable in my reef.
Ok great advice all. Now I am tested and parameters recorded. However using 2 part, shouldn't alk and ca be added in equal parts? I was 20 points off target ca and .5 off target alk. Total water is 19 gal and so added 58ml Ca and only 7ml alk. (Per BRS calculator) I can't get a consistent ratio every time I dose. I've recorded and it will be 10:1, 15:1,9:1 etc.
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Fred Phipps
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I had the same issue with Red Sea test kits. I switched over to salifert test kits and I liked them a lot better. I found though that after about a year of testing a few times a week, that my water chemistry was consistent and I now rely on my water changes to replenish things and don't test unless things look bad for a few days
Damien Buckley
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Hahaha, just after I advised on the change with the Red Sea kit over time I bought a reagent refill and the results are WILDLY different to the previous bottle. Remaining old bottle is saying 10.6dkh. New bottle (new and improved apparently) is 12.9dkh. Old API drop at a time kit says 10 so Im inclined to believe the old kit and think the new bottle is a bad batch. It's a.so orange whereas I noticed other bottles have started out red. So much for consistency…
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Great call and I'll have my Hanna alk checker by next week.
