Alkalinity ? s

Captainhemo · #1 07-07-2007, 09:04 PM

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

Bryan · #2 07-07-2007, 09:13 PM

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.

Captainhemo · #3 07-07-2007, 09:55 PM

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

fkshiu · #4 07-07-2007, 10:01 PM

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.

justinl · #5 07-07-2007, 10:02 PM

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

Redrover · #6 07-07-2007, 10:09 PM

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

Jason McK · #7 07-07-2007, 10:34 PM

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

Captainhemo · #8 07-07-2007, 11:16 PM

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.

midgetwaiter · #9 07-08-2007, 01:41 AM

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

marie · #10 07-08-2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkshiu

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.

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