New Reefer Alert!

Jerad81 · Sep 30, 2020

Fishy65 said:
That does seem very low for alkalinity. I would do the test again to verify. Raising it slowly over time is the way to go if it is in fact to low. In my opinion controlling the change using water changes makes the most sense but ive never had to do that before. Im sure a quick search will give you some ideas. Anytime I see a test result that far off I question the validity. You may also want to test what your salt mix is mixing to for ph and alkalinity.

So far I have been getting my water pre-made from my lfs. I will definitely run that test again and also on the water from my lfs before I do my next water change this weekend. They both should show similar results since I've always used their water. Hopefully that will tell me if I need a new test kit or keep doing weekly water changes.

Jerad81 · Sep 30, 2020

I just ran the test again and my alkalinity is showing about 2.5. Either I need a new test, start mixing my own water, or keep doing weekly water changes to get my alkalinity up. I guess I'll find out on Saturday when I test their water.

Funston07 · Sep 30, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

F i s h y · Sep 30, 2020

Jerad81 said:
So far I have been getting my water pre-made from my lfs. I will definitely run that test again and also on the water from my lfs before I do my next water change this weekend. They both should show similar results since I've always used their water. Hopefully that will tell me if I need a new test kit or keep doing weekly water changes.

Or a new water source...

long term you may want to look at an RO/DI system and a good quality salt mix.

ScubaFish802 · Sep 30, 2020

mijan · Sep 30, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef

ScottR · Oct 1, 2020

Welcome to REEF2REEF!

SPR1968 · Oct 1, 2020

Beautiful tank Jerad, Welcome to R2R!!!

Lasse · Oct 1, 2020

What test do you use and what unit does it use for report the alkalinity? If it report mekv - 2.5 will be equal to 7 in KH. Ask your LFS about the alkalinity. I do not think that you have 2.5 in KH in a saltwater that comes from your LFS.

And welcome

Sincerely Lasse

CelestEel · Oct 1, 2020

scabbedwings616 · Oct 1, 2020

welcome to the club.

i would check your dkh and see what it is at. Baseline this and keep a record of it. Do the tests at the same time as you want to see consistency in the tests

Jimbhoy13 · Oct 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Think about getting an ro/di set up and make your own salt water - cheaper in the long term. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.