Low alkalinity problems

[Jan]

I want to make sure I'm not getting faulty readings for alkalinity. I can't seem to raise my alkalinity above 1.7 now (not a problem before), based on a test kit that shows color match to a number.

The past couple of days I've shown readings of 8.0 for ph and 1.6-1.7 for alkalinity. I did a 10% water change with Reef Crystals which is supposed to be very high in alkalinity, and it had virtually no effect on the alk reading. Two daily doses of DHK buffer hasn't changed the reading either.

I want to make sure my test results are correct before proceeding down this path...

THanks for any suggestions on how to fix this. I haven't set up a calc reactor yet. I have powdered KALK at home but have not been using it. I've been relying on the Reef Crystals water changes but after a couple of weeks with no water change and lots of unbuffered RODI water being added, my levels are way off what they should be. (housesitter syndrome....)

 

[scytale]

I want to make sure I'm not getting faulty readings for alkalinity. I can't seem to raise my alkalinity above 1.7 now (not a problem before), based on a test kit that shows color match to a number.

Sounds like you need a "2nd opinion" on your test kit.....

What kind of test kit are you using? You may want to get a new (Salifert ) test kit (or have your water tested at a LFS) before begining any major ALK adjustments...

 

[Jan]

The kit I've been using is Red Sea/Marine Aquariums Test lab. I'll go to another store to look for Salifert

 

[Boomer]

Red Sea kits are crap and belong in the garbage. They often give false low Alk readings.

 

[Jan]

Wow, thanks for that info. Definitely looking for another test kit...

 

[Jan]

Update

I couldn't find Salifert yet but bought some cheap multi-test strips and even these are saying that my alkalinity is in normal range. I'm so glad not to have over-corrected this time. Thankyou for your help.

Jan (still plan to buy a better test kit)

 

[NaH2O]

Jan - check out some online retailers. You can probably order a Salifert kit to have delivered to you, or see if a fellow reefer in your area has a kit they can loan you.

 

[returnofsid]

I know several of our sponsors have them to mail order from. Also, once you get an accurate Alk kit, check out 2 of the links in my signature. One is for Randy Holme's DIY 2 part recipe for supplements for Ca, Alk and Mg. Another link in my signature is for a great Chemistry Calculator to help you determine how much to add based on your tank size, your current parameters and your desired parameters. Both of these links are GREAT tools for getting and keeping your tank balanced!!

 

[scytale]

Jan - check out some online retailers. You can probably order a Salifert kit to have delivered to you, or see if a fellow reefer in your area has a kit they can loan you.

Jan, I believe all the Eastside stores (Saltwatercity, Blue Sierra, BarierReef, etc. have them...though I haven't checked in a while.)

I've actually got 2 Salifert ALK test kits at home right now (both purchased online/eBay) and I'd offer to loan you one....
but I'm getting 2 consistently different results on each kit ( +/- 1 dKH )
I don't want to use them until I figure out which kit is "right"....:doubt:

 

[Jan]

I'll be stoping by BarrierReef on Sunday so I'll pick one up then.

 

[scytale]

I'll be stoping by BarrierReef on Sunday so I'll pick one up then.

Say "hi" to all the little Croceas at BR for me!

I'm heading to Ore. for Mom's day, so I'm probably going to miss my BR visit this weekend...
(But I am trying to add a stopover at Upscales in Portland into our return itenerary.... )

 

[Damsel13]

Awww...are those the little blue ones? Maybe someday. I get Alk and pH really confused still.

More tests more money "sigh" less tests more waterchanges (NSW). Can we ever win?



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