I’m giving up.

[Gaines69]

For the API and most other Alk tests, you hit your end point when you start getting the first color change. If you go until you see a significant color change, you have gone to far.

Ok. Cool. So is 11 ok or should I get it lower.

 

[Alfrareef]

I personally run it lower (7-8) but you could go with those values depending on what fauna do you have/plan.
Most important is to avoid large and fast variations.

 

[Brew12]

Ok. Cool. So is 11 ok or should I get it lower.

11 seems very high for Instant Ocean. It is ok, but I like keeping my dKH closer to 8. Some people do like it that high.

When you do the test, look for it to go from blue to more of a green. Don't wait for it to go to yellow.

I would recommend taking a water sample from your tank to your LFS and ask them to sample it for you. If they tell you that your tank is at 8dKH you can add enough drops to get to 8dkh and see what the color change is. Then you know what to look for on your test kit.

 

[Gaines69]

11 seems very high for Instant Ocean. It is ok, but I like keeping my dKH closer to 8. Some people do like it that high.

When you do the test, look for it to go from blue to more of a green. Don't wait for it to go to yellow.

I would recommend taking a water sample from your tank to your LFS and ask them to sample it for you. If they tell you that your tank is at 8dKH you can add enough drops to get to 8dkh and see what the color change is. Then you know what to look for on your test kit.

Oh ok. Thanks for that information. Never thought about letting lfs do test and then testing to compare. Great idea.

 

[Gaines69]

I personally run it lower (7-8) but you could go with those values depending on what fauna do you have/plan.
Most important is to avoid large and fast variations.

I am planning just a few soft corals. Maybe a gsp and another easy veggie trip coral. I’m thinking of attempting to frag my sea whip. It’s a good size and I would like a couple of smaller ones.

 

[Alfrareef]

Go for it, but with time try to lower it a little. Those kind don’t enjoy “heavy” water...
Perhaps changing salt...

 

[Gaines69]

Well I scored a good size bunch of Chaetomorpha today at my LFS. I’m on their repeat customer list so I got a $10 gift card code for my birthday. Woot woot lol. Now my little hob fuge will do a better job.