Test Readings

[Slicktrax]

what should my hardness and alkilinity read. i think i screwed up somewhere in the testing. the only reading i could get was KH 12.8 and Alk 4.57. according to the instructions, i should be at 8 and 2.9.

[Slicktrax]

now looking at instructions, it says the amounts should be multiplied by 2. to kh 25.6 and alk 9.14. assuming i did the test correct, how do i get these back into the normal range.

[ohioreef]

Are you sure you're not supposed to divide by 2? Your alk at 9.8, is that meq/L or other unit?

If it's meq/L that's way high, it should be 3.5 - 4.0.

[Slicktrax]

i am going to try again tomorrow (multiple tests). the alk is in meq/L and directions do say multiply by two.

[ohioreef]

If it's meq/L then you are way high. Most things I've read suggest a 3.0 - 4.0 meq/L range. I usually try to keep mine around 3.5 meq/L.

[Slicktrax]

thats what has me concerned. i have got to be doing something wring with my test. i will have to troll aroung the salifert forum for extra guidance

[Micki]

I use salifert. You can multiply by two IF you use the LOWER RESOLUTION. Which did you use?

[redpyro]

this is why i dont test, to hard

[Micki]

LOL. I would love to bring my tests over and run them on your tank. I bet they come out pretty good.

[redpyro]

i dont know i bet you could paint a pretty picture with some of the wild colors my tank might produce

[Slicktrax]

i used the lower resolution, hence the second post for doubling the value :(

this is actually the first time i have been able to get the color to change.

i hate this test.

this is probably why i got a d- in chemistry III at school

[Micki]

Slick do you buffer at all?

I used to use buffer to raise my PH and little did I know I was kicking my alk out the roof! My readings were in the upper 20's!

[Slicktrax]

i have been doing a little (actually tiny) bit of reading on it, and havent got around to getting any buffering. so no is the answer.

[Micki]

Here are a few of my threads and what the experts had to say.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=430398&highlight=micki

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=433245&highlight=micki

My Kh/Alk as of 03-22-05 KH- 9.9/Alk-3.54. This has been SLOWLY going down since September! Still a little on the high side.

[Slicktrax]

thanks, i will give them a read through

[Micki]

Basically the only thing I really learned, is that there is not a lot I can do about it except wait. As far as I can tell, it hasn't effected my tank.

[Slicktrax]

started lowering before or after using the buffer?

[Micki]

Oh no... The buffer caused the problem! NO BUFFER FOR ME!

[Slicktrax]

i might have to read the label on the last bottle of gunk i bought to put in the tank to see what it actually does

[Micki]

LOL LOL LOL... Yeah, that might help!

[Slicktrax]

reef builder "raises alkilinity" - it works. gues i can cut back on that for a while

[Micki]

Yep that would be your problem. Welcome to the high alk club!

I tested mine in September and as you can see it still isn't normal. But almost!!!

[Slicktrax]

everything still seems and looks happy, so i must not be too far off.

[Micki]

My tank never showed any problem from the high alk either. At least as far I know.

[ohioreef]

Micki, 3.54 meq/L is about right!

slicktrax, is your ca low? high alk can cause ca to precipitate. I had that happen to me right I started my 75. I was trying to raise my pH with buffer. I now know better!!

[Micki]

Hey Gary natural sea water is KH of 8 and Alk of 2.9. Mine is still a little high but not out of control. My CA is 460.

[bigfalcon36]

how'd you get your CA that high?

[Micki]

Actually I'm not sure. In my 55 I dosed lime water a few times per week. Since setting up the 125, I added kents liquid calcium one time in the beginning to get my level up. I have added nothing since. I don't have a ton of stuff that would suck the CA down yet. Also I used sugar fine aragonite when I set this tank up. I think that might have helped some too.

[Slicktrax]

i dont have ca test kit. i am going to check for one on my next trip to the store