Pick one or two or three: alk readings?

[Mikedawg]

So, yesterday I got the following readings for alkalinity: Hanna Checker: 7.6; Salifert: 8.0; and Red Sea: 8.5. I was very careful to clean, measure, read, etc. my test kits and, frankly, am somewhat disappointed on the variation among these results. Then again, from reading about similar concerns expressed by other reefers on this forum, I am not totally surprised.
Any insights as to which test kit/result has highest validity and reliability, or is this a fool's errand, ha ha?
LPS and softies look good and are growing so I'm not too worried and don't want to simply begin chasing numbers; Ca is 440 (Red Sea) and Mag is 1380 (Red Sea) btw.
Thanks

 

[Brew12]

So, yesterday I got the following readings for alkalinity: Hanna Checker: 7.6; Salifert: 8.0; and Red Sea: 8.5. I was very careful to clean, measure, read, etc. my test kits and, frankly, am somewhat disappointed on the variation among these results. Then again, from reading about similar concerns expressed by other reefers on this forum, I am not totally surprised.
Any insights as to which test kit/result has highest validity and reliability, or is this a fool's errand, ha ha?
LPS and softies look good and are growing so I'm not too worried and don't want to simply begin chasing numbers; Ca is 440 (Red Sea) and Mag is 1380 (Red Sea) btw.
Thanks

I don't think it matters which one you pick. Just pick one and stick with it. IMO, consistency is more important than accuracy when it comes to alk. Within reason, of course.

 

[Mikedawg]

Yeah, think you're right since good alk readings have a pretty wide range and all of my readings are acceptable although not as high as I want. Wish I hadn't spent so much on all these different test kits now!

Thanks much, now on to the BRS Kalkwasser dosing program

 

[madweazl]

I'm with Brew12 on this; pick one and stick with it. In that range, the actual number is of little relevance.

 

[Brew12]

I should probably be more careful giving testing advice. I tend to be a very lazy reefer that way. I have the Redsea and Salifert Alk tests and have the exact same issue you are seeing. Redsea always reads higher. I use the Salifert because it is easier to use. I do use the Redsea calc test but only because I rarely test it. Since I dose Kalk, I figure that if my alk is on my calc can't be too far off. I test calc every week or two. I use an API test kit for nitrates... because it is easy. Every once in awhile I use the Redsea nitrate test kit to see just how low it actually is. I use a Salifert phosphate test kit, because it is easy. If it is really low I break out the Hanna ULR tester.

Should I be admitting this?

 

[Mikedawg]

I'm with Brew12 on this; pick one and stick with it. In that range, the actual number is of little relevance.

Thx, good advice and I do simple better than complicated.

 

[Mikedawg]

I should probably be more careful giving testing advice. I tend to be a very lazy reefer that way. I have the Redsea and Salifert Alk tests and have the exact same issue you are seeing. Redsea always reads higher. I use the Salifert because it is easier to use. I do use the Redsea calc test but only because I rarely test it. Since I dose Kalk, I figure that if my alk is on my calc can't be too far off. I test calc every week or two. I use an API test kit for nitrates... because it is easy. Every once in awhile I use the Redsea nitrate test kit to see just how low it actually is. I use a Salifert phosphate test kit, because it is easy. If it is really low I break out the Hanna ULR tester.

Should I be admitting this?

Great "practical" advice; thx again

 

[laverda]

I agree as well, all three are in an acceptable range. Personally I use Salifert. Based on that I would not raise it much. I aim for 9.0-9.4 myself.

 

[CindyKz]

I agree with Brew12 and Madweazl... The actual number doesn't matter as long as you have happy corals. Use your test kit to monitor whether you are trending away from your "happy" alk

Pick the test you find easiest to use, that way you will use it regularly

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd just assume it is 8 dKH.

If you want a more precise/accurate number and have a pH meter, you can do a careful DIY that will give give accurate results:

A DIY Alkalinity Test: By Randy Holmes-Farley - REEFEDITION
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/a-diy-alkalinity-test-by-randy-holmes-farley