High Alkalinity on Trident

[PhilM]

I had a crash and some inverts and fish died in the tank. Most dead livestock has been removed but I am still missing a lawnmower blenny who has always been very allusive. My Trident was down for 4 days. Alk readings have gone from 8.04 to 13.94 from last before crash to current. pH on APEX has gone from 8.02 to 7.78. I completed a 2nd test 3 hours later and the Alk was 8.35; APEX pH was 8.00 at that time. Is it usual for Trident pH readings to be very off after inactivity? If the Alk was really 13.94 would that be a disaster for my mixed reef tank? What is the recommended range for ALK and what action should I take if it really were to go above the range?

Many thanks in advance for your recommendations and comments.

 

[T-J]

Most people target 8-10 for alk for mixed/stony tanks. 14 is pretty high.
I have a Trident, and I do notice that the testing readings will drift over time. That's why they include the calibration fluid.
I'd check your water at a trusted LFS or at home with good test kits. Never rely on just the Trident.

 

[blaxsun]

If your Trident was offline for several days without testing it may need recalibration.