Testing Ca Reactor effluent question.

[SeanT]

Hi Randy,
I was wondering if the low pH or the Calcium and Alkalinity of a Ca Reactors effluent would prevent someone (me) from getting an accurate Phosphate reading from it?
Thank you.

[Habib]

A too high alkalinity can give false readings with atleast some brands.

FWIW the Salifert PO4 kit gives a max value for the alk which is IIRC something like 18 dkH ( 6.4 meq/L).

I recall that at least in the past approx the same was true for the Seachem test (Leo Morin on Fishnet).

[SeanT]

So if the dKH of my effluent is 18 or less then the Salifert Phosphate kit will give me an accurate reading?
If the dKH is higher than th 18 dKH then the Phosphate reading may be skewed?

[Habib]

I don't expect that the elevated calcium and CO2 will skew the results.

[SeanT]

Ok,
So your first response could have said..."Yes, you can measure the efflunet for Phosphate and get accurate readings." ?

I am looking for a yes/no answer here Habib. :D

[Habib]

I am looking for a yes/no answer here Habib.

That was a yes/no answer. LOL

yes if alk is below a certian value and no if alk is above a certain value.

Alk is normally the only parameter which can give false redaings with phosphate kits. I asuume you don't have tons of iron in the effluent. ;)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks, Habib!

[Habib]

You're welcome. :)