Ca, Alk, Mg tests...What chemicals are in them

[ziggy]

Does anyone know what makes up the different chemicals used to test for PH,Ca,Alk,Mg? I have found that only some of the vials list their contents.


The reason I ask is:

I work for a large chemical company and can order these test chemicals in bulk. However I am trying to figure out if the compounds available to me are the same as the "aquarium brands".

If this works out I would also like to invite any interested PSAS members for a group order. My cost for this is extremely low compared to the LFS.

Chad

 

[krisfal]

Chad,
Boomer may be the best resource for this information. You may want to post this on his Chemistry Forum.

 

[Boomer]

Does anyone know what makes up the different chemicals used to test for PH,Ca,Alk,Mg? I have found that only some of the vials list their contents.

There is allot more to this than you think. The kits need a particular molar strength for the kits and you would need to know what that molar strength is and all do not necessarily use the same molar strength. You would have to pick a kit and have its molar strengths of each bottle measured by a "lab rat". Some kits also use different or mod. std. test procedures. Even chemists, like Dr .Randy Holmes Farley, who has written countless articles for us on pH, Alk, Ca++ and Mg++, plus many others does not make up his own. And he is a director of a chemical research lab

 

[jnarowe]

hey, nice to see you around Boomer!

You'll have to excuse Chad (ziggy), he has brain damage.

 

[ziggy]

Boomer,
Thank you for your responce.

I understand that its not just the chemical but ratios/percentages of each which are not easy to combine. That said, the test chemicals I speak of are specificly designed regents for the calculation of Ca,Alk,Mg in ppm's for the testing of commercial pool/spa and laundry facilities. These have been tested by "lab rats" and even come with directions on how to use them for propper results. What I dont know is if there are different ions/moecules/(what ever it may be) that these are testing for that are different in pools/laundry than the fish tank. Or is testing for the presents of Ca,Alk,Mg in ppm's the extent of it.

Am I being obtuse or (brain dead as a rude fellow put it)


Thank you,
Chad

 

[jnarowe]

well, first of all, yes, and second, I would hazard to guess that there is a significant difference between testing fresh water, pool etc. and salt water. But, I would not want to throw mud on your fun. Why don't you just get some and experiment? You could verify results using other kits until you are satisfied that you have the formulation down. Sounds like fun eh?

 

[Boomer]

There is a difference with some kits. For example, most kit do not go to a low enough end point for Alk for seawater. Some pH kit have high "salt effect " error. And some kits need to be "buffer" for seawater, like ammonia. If one wants to know how they work and what std kits use and what exact reagents are used, as in EPA std, then look in.

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water. This is the std ref. that most kit manufactures go by. It is a the bible @ $500.00.

Trying to make you own is just a waste and there is no guarantee that the ones you make are any good. They need to be made by a chemist that knows what he/she is doing.

 

[ziggy]

Thank you for your time and input. The std. reference listed is helpful. I guess being a Columbo the Chemist won't pay in the long run or be accurate. I was hopeful though.
Chad

 

[jnarowe]

we all have our dreams! :lol:

 

[ziggy]

Jonathan
did you get that pm

 

[jnarowe]

yes. forgot to reply.

 

[salmonslayer]

Hay Zig, screw the test kits. " lets make some salt ". Man that stuff is killing me. Didn't use as much when I had a fish bowl.
PS we need to hook up on that doser.

 

[jnarowe]

Now there's an idea! :d

 

[ziggy]

I hear a guy named Morton has a bunch of salt to unload for CHEAP!
Tracy I'm free this weekend. Sounds like your tired of doing Mg by hand.
Jonathan Anymore thoughts on the doser were working on. That thing blows my mind. We may need a technical advisor on that one.......

 

[jnarowe]

Some good news to report: Kevin and I both noticed that Saturday was a flat day with low "performace" but yesterday it was back in line for my system, once I remembered to reset my exhaust fan.

I was getting higher than normal tank temps. and had shut off the exhaust fan temporarily to vacuum the vent. When I turned it back on, I did not set the temp. to the correct level, thereby creating a warm and very humid environment. This in turn lowered my evap. and top-off rate.

To my pleasure, this morning the tank was still above 8.0 pH which means top-off was working correctly. I have been doing tests periodically and will post graphs when sufficient time has passed. I still have not added any more kalk since that last time and it is still looking good.

 

[jnarowe]

I hear a guy named Morton has a bunch of salt to unload for CHEAP!
Tracy I'm free this weekend. Sounds like your tired of doing Mg by hand.
Jonathan Anymore thoughts on the doser were working on. That thing blows my mind. We may need a technical advisor on that one.......

I haven't even messed with it yet. I think one problem we will see is too much volume pushed at one time, particularly for smaller systems.

 

[ziggy]

You may want to repost that in the KALK department its on Isle 12 in advanced:lol::lol:

 

[ziggy]

Who cares about little systems were working on it for yours.

 

[dhnguyen]

Oi... I care about smaller systems damnit. When are you gonna put one together for me your pal Zig?

 

[jnarowe]

get in line D.