Salifert Alk Test Kit

Cment · Feb 11, 2018

Hey R2R-

Ive been using salifert test kits for almost 7yrs. They have always worked well for me. I test every few days and alk stays stable at 7.9-8.1. Well today I use the new test I got and the directions have slightly changed and now for low resolution to add only one drop vs. two thats its always been. Well sure enough my alk reads 9.6. I double checked this twice and then even did a 3rd test at high resolution and roughly got the same numbers. What gives, is my alk really at 9.6 or is it at my usual number and I have a bad kit? Im going to my LFS today to confirm with what I got. I manually dose so I know a doser didn't get stuck on. Anyone else have this issue or have some insight for me?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 11, 2018

Is there a reason to think the kit is off, other than your tank value changed?

The number of drops of dye doesn't impact the answer you get, as long as you can see the color change clearly.

Cment · Feb 11, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Is there a reason to think the kit is off, other than your tank value changed?

The number of drops of dye doesn't impact the answer you get, as long as you can see the color change clearly.

Only reason I think the kit maybe off is the fact I just tested alk 2 days ago at 7.9. It’s been steady there for the entirety of the old test kit. I used the new test kit today and it was up to 9.6 and since I manually dose this seems odd. 7.9 and 9.6 is a pretty big difference bw 2 test kits by the same manufacturer. I can see the color change clearly but just puzzled at the discrepancy.