KH text API reef master kit Please help

[lewis.maryann08]

I am so confused when I did the test I put the one drop and it turns a pal blue then when I add drops it just gets darker I put 10 drops and its still dark blue whats that mean ?

 

[Tflow256]

That the dkh is higher than 10. You keep going until it turns yellow

 

[lewis.maryann08]

At 18 drops I got yellow is that bad

 

[solomon frazier]

I think you should get yellow around 9 to 11 drops at 18 your alkalinity is really high you should do a water Chang to bring it down

 

[lewis.maryann08]

I just did one yesterday I took out 20 gl I have a 55 gl guess I need to take more out?

 

[cmcoker]

Using a pH buffer?

 

[lewis.maryann08]

Yes I did when it tested high

 

[lewis.maryann08]

Is that why every coral I get dies

 

[cmcoker]

Ph buffers will increase the alkalinity, even if they say they don't..
Don't use it anymore, do a water change, test your new water before doing the change

 

[cmcoker]

Is that why every coral I get dies

Definitely Could be contributing to coral death at that range especially if came from a low alk system..

 

[lewis.maryann08]

Or I will try that thank you

 

[lewis.maryann08]

So the best way to get it down is water changes?

 

[cmcoker]

I would do a water change with lower alk water to bring it down a bit because it is so high. Then let the level drop on its own by stopping any dosing to the tank of pH buffer or alk additives.
Have you tested your calcium?

I would also recommend verifying the alk is that high with a different test kit or at t a lfs if possible.

Here is a good article on correcting alk and calcium levels:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

 

[solomon frazier]

Remember your Doser should be on a timer not dosing 24 hours or turn the Doser down test and increase dosage as needed once it stable for at least 3days then add corals check AK everyday and adjust Doser as needed do the same with calcium also check your magnesium it plays a huge part in getting your tank stable in your mag is low you will never get your tank stable usually a problem in new setup

 

[lewis.maryann08]

My calcium is low it is 340 and it took 15 drops to get my test tube to turn yellow on the KH test

 

[lewis.maryann08]

Now my calcum is at 460 and on my KH test it took 13 drops to make it turn pink so what should I do now?

 

[cmcoker]

Now my calcum is at 460 and on my KH test it took 13 drops to make it turn pink so what should I do now?

With these numbers I would just test daily and wait for the alk to drop to where you want it.

 

[lewis.maryann08]

So it is ok I don't need to add anything else?

 

[cmcoker]

Just keep testing for now.
Have you just been dosing pH buffer or are you also using two part?

 

[lewis.maryann08]

All I use is kent marine iron &manganese and kent marine liquid calcium I use it once a week and yes I did just start adding it a couple of weeks ago is that what I should be using?