What is at fault?

[Unitylover]

I just tested my saltwater in the tank. According to my API test kit, it was 2 DKH, even though i changed water 3-4 days ago. I just beat cyano in that tank, So maybe it's the cause? I went and made a batch of my IO salt to see if it is the salt or API. It tests the exact same. 2 DKH. I tested tap water and it was approx 4-5 DKH. tap water tested higher than fresh saltwater. Is it the salt or API?

 

[Sean Clark]

API or testing methods. Also pick up another test kit and while you are out grab a RODI unit or at a minimum buy distilled water.

 

[Unitylover]

API or testing methods. Also pick up another test kit and while you are out grab a RODI unit or at a minimum buy distilled water.

I know that, but Is API really wrong? The average tap alk is about 3-6 DKH.

 

[Sean Clark]

I know that, but Is API really wrong? The average tap alk is about 3-6 DKH.

There is no way that the salt is lowering the alkalinity of the tap water.

 

[Unitylover]

There is no way that the salt is lowering the alkalinity of the tap water.

But wait, i do store my salt in a coffee container. could that lower DKH?

 

[Sean Clark]

But wait, i do store my salt in a coffee container. could that lower DKH?

That seems like an odd storage solution choice to me, but no.

 

[Unitylover]

That seems like an odd storage solution choice to me, but no.

ok, Ill go return my test kit (if it is still possible to return) Also, my KH bottle seems to have leaked. could that cause the API tests to be inaccurate?

 

[Sean Clark]

ok, Ill go return my test kit (if it is still possible to return) Also, my KH bottle seems to have leaked. could that cause the API tests to be inaccurate?

Possibly, but I really doubt it. Loss of the reagent through spillage or leakage should not change the overall concentration of the solution. Loss through evaporation will cause the reagent to become more concentrated and can affect the test results but that does not sound like the case here.

 

[Unitylover]

Possibly, but I really doubt it. Loss of the reagent through spillage or leakage should not change the overall concentration of the solution. Loss through evaporation will cause the reagent to become more concentrated and can affect the test results but that does not sound like the case here.

ill just test the other values rq, and Ill post params. I hope its just KH, and nothing else.

 

[Unitylover]

Phos is under 0.05, its a pale yellow, no hint of green at all

 

[Sean Clark]

Phos is under 0.05, its a pale yellow, no hint of green at all

Also API I presume?

 

[Unitylover]

Nitrate is pretty low, approx 3-4 (not surprised as i just finished fighting cyanobacteria)

 

[Unitylover]

calcium is 420-480. Inbetween that amount. so seems like KH is the problem, ill go buy a KH test kit from salifert (only $15 each), as salifert would cost too much, $75 dollars, for a full thing like API kit, but API Kh is $10, so i can afford to pay 5 extra dollars. Thanks for helping Sean!

 

[melonheadorion]

logically thinking, as it was mentioned already, if hte dkh of your water is 4 without salt, adding of salt reducing dkh would be impossible. it could only go up or stay the same. perhaps shaking the reagent bottle extra well, to see if that changes it.

 

[CoralB]

That seems like an odd storage solution choice to me, but no.

He will make the mistake brewing a cup one time !!

 

[CoralB]

How big is your coffee container???

 

[Unitylover]

How big is your coffee container???

~9-12 inches tall. 4-6 inches wide.

 

[CoralB]

~9-12 inches tall. 4-6 inches wide.

Hills brothers right!!! . Seriously though if your container is metal with salt you run the risk of rust which can could end up being really bad if you put it in the tank by way of the salt . If it’s plastic no worries ,but if not get your salt out of the can and either line it with plastic bag to find a plastic container

 

[Unitylover]

Hills brothers right!!!

folgers

 

[CoralB]

folgers

Is it plastic ??? Or metal ??