Alkalinity ? s
 

Hi All
I recently purchased a Salifert Alk test kit suspecting my alk could be low in my 60 gal reef. I was totally shocked to see a result of 22dKH. Is this even possible ? I'm wondering if the test kit could possibly be " bad" even thoough its long b4 its expiry date.
Other test results:
Ca 420
PH 8.1 lights just on, 8.3 just b4 lights off
Nitrate 5 ppm
SG 1.023

Would my livestock even live in this alkalinity? I have numerous hermits, snails, a few shrimp 5 fish, lots of mushrooms, softies but did lose my lps some time ago. Coral growth has been pretty slow
I just mixed up 20l of new water and the alk tests out at 16dKH.
If I am to trust this test and try to lower my alk, how do i go about it w/o raising my Ca ? I am having a hard time beieving my alk can be this high with the Ca at 420.
Anyone have any suggestions/enlightenment ?
Appreceiat any input , thnx

Jay

A mix of Instant Ocean at a salinity of around 1.026 will have an alkalinity of around 10-11 dkh. I suspect the test kit is defective.

I am using IO salt as well. No one here (Kelowna) sells alk test kits, had to order this one form J&L. Very prompt shipping but still a PIA that nothing is available locally :(

-Jay

Salifert has been having a lot of issues lately and its head honcho in Holland, Habib, has been MIA from the company forum over on RC.

It's a real shame since Salifert has been the SW standard for testing kits in the hobby for so long.

can you find a local reefer or even a lfs that will test alkalinity for you?

Check out Hidden Reef Vender Thread
Free Shipping...They are in Abbotsford

Do you have a CA reactor or dose Kalk?

I've had higher ALK in the past with no ill effects. If you are adding any ALK/CA suppliments just wait it out.

J

Up until a couple months ago I had been using Kent liquid Calcium. I have now switched to Seachem Reef Complete . I had also purchased some Seachem Reefbuklder but will obvioulsly hold off on that.
As for a lfs that will test water, I'm not sure we have anyone that will do that, I'll have to ask around.

You've got a bad Alk kit, same thing happened to me.

He's been ill, but now he's back. He is limiting his time online but is checking into the complaints :biggrin: