How do you test for Alkalinity ?

myzislow · Sep 7, 2012

I must be in the minority cause I have always used Elos for ALk and dont see myself switching. Always get consistent results. Many people complain about not being able to see the color change but I dont have that issue as my vision is amazing. Yes, amazing.

feh · Sep 7, 2012

I use a Hanna Checker and love it.

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 7, 2012

I use seachem, but I am now considering getting a hanna checker.

dallas reefer · Sep 7, 2012

Y'all some rich folk. Imma PO boy. I use rsp.

strange33w · Sep 7, 2012

im using the hanna also and like it

Fieroguy19 · Sep 10, 2012

Been using LaMotte Alk kit for a few years now and haven't had any problems with consistency between kits. I like the fact that they have refill kits which make it a little cheaper.

Pkunk35 · Sep 11, 2012

I use API for alk but yes am now considering buying a hanna b/c of this thread.

I do think the API test is consistent, not sure about its accuracy tho.

EdansClownHouse · Sep 13, 2012

I absolutely hate the Hanna Checker...it worked the first two times and now it will say the Alk is 16...then I retest and it says 11 then retest and it says 7.....it is absolutely the worst investment ever...DO NOT TRUST the reading! How will you ever know if the tester decides to go bad one day.

EdansClownHouse · Sep 13, 2012

I have had perfect results from ELOS...every time.

Higgy · Sep 13, 2012

I am the nerdy type reefer. I test my alkalinity by performing an acid/base type titration; very accurate and easy to measure.

Using 100 mL sample of the aquarium water (placed in beaker on magnetic stir table, mixing) and having a pH probe placed in the beaker, I first record the pH.
Then I use a 25mL buret and slowly add 0.0200 N H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid, very dilute) until the pH reaches 4.20.

Alkalinity = mLs of acid x 10 (this will be in ppm, ALK) So if I use 15.6 mLs then my ALK is 156 ppm.

I know this seems a bit involved, but it's quick once you are set up, and extremely accurate. (Also, I'm color blind; so reading the pH works well for me!)

Dowtish · Sep 14, 2012

That is awesome Higgy. I wanna be a nerd like you!

Typed from my phone, because I have nothing better to do.

chort55 · Sep 14, 2012

I don't test it because nothing is accurate and I don't like to waste my time or money. Heck Ive only checked salinity twice and thats just because a friend wanted to see what it was and brought his refractometer over 2 different times over a 2 yr period..... 1.024 each time lol.

Have I lost stuff, yes.... have I lost stuff because my water was bad, doubt it. I did just have a skimmer pump fry and wipe out all my sps in my 180... guess I should of tested huh? lol

Downbeach · Sep 14, 2012

Salifert, and now Red Sea Pro.

myzislow · Sep 14, 2012

chort55 said:
I don't test it because nothing is accurate and I don't like to waste my time or money. Heck Ive only checked salinity twice and thats just because a friend wanted to see what it was and brought his refractometer over 2 different times over a 2 yr period..... 1.024 each time lol.

Have I lost stuff, yes.... have I lost stuff because my water was bad, doubt it. I did just have a skimmer pump fry and wipe out all my sps in my 180... guess I should of tested huh? lol

lol ok bud