Salifert KH/DKH test kit

GreenGoby · #1 07/29/2007, 10:28 AM

I just got my tank setup after having new flooring installed. I checked the alk since my green button polyps are not opening as welll as my orange zoas. The test comes out with the Alk showing to be 5.XX. How can I correct this? The water was about 30percent from my original setup. The rest was mixed from Tropic Marin Pro using R/O DI water. I do have a water conditioner so the water is fairly neutral in terms of hardness/softness.

kau_cinta_ku · #2 07/29/2007, 11:03 AM

what test kit you using?

Lobster · #3 07/29/2007, 11:27 AM

You should always test and adjust the parameters of newly mixed saltwater before using it... its rarely going to be where you want it right out the bucket.

There's a number of ways to raise alkalinity. Make sure you also adjust calcium and magnesium to correct levels.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

GreenGoby · #4 07/29/2007, 12:44 PM

Sorry it is a Salifert test kit. And I don't need to raise alk I need to lower it as it is already too high.

raulalonso · #5 07/29/2007, 12:52 PM

I reduce the KH by adding Mg and Strontium. Follow mannufacturer's instructions and you will be fine, is better to gradually reduce the levels than in one shot.

kau_cinta_ku · #6 07/29/2007, 01:05 PM

sorry should have read the salifert part in the tiltle lol. no need to go on a panic. just let the tank reduse it itself it will go down in a couple of days. but what are you reading it at DKH or meq/L

Peter Eichler · #7 07/29/2007, 04:44 PM

There are many many salifert alkalinity kits that seem to be reading high right now. Since you didn't really add anything to boost your alk I would suspect the test kit at this point. Also, be sure you follow the test directions closely. If your alkalinity really is that high there's really nothing to be concerned about and you should just let it fall naturally.

bertoni · #8 07/29/2007, 05:42 PM

Getting a second opinion on the test kit might be useful, I agree.

Dosing magnesium and strontium won't affect the alkalinity. I assume that alkalinity was about 5 meq/L? If so, just stop dosing alkalinity and it should drop on its own. If any animals are showing signs of trouble, then some water changes should help.

Is a pH buffer being dosed into the tank? They commonly cause this problem, since they are just high-pH alkalinity supplements.