Simple alkalinity explanation please!

Rinks · 02/16/2013, 10:29 PM

Hi everyone. I'm still new to the hobby and getting a great grasp on things quickly. My question is what is the normal level of alkalinity in a 55 gal reef tank? I just purchased a strip kit and it came back at 260 ppm...? Then I'm reading that alkalinity is DH off the web... Am I missing something here. Thanks

hillscp · 02/16/2013, 10:36 PM

dKH is a different measurement. Try this calculator.

http://www.saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php

I try to keep my alkalinity at 9 dKH (161 ppm)

260 ppm = 14.56 dKH (quite high)

BTW, I wouldn't trust a test strip. Get a good test. Even API is better than a test strip (and probably good enough for an alk test IMO)

If you want expert info then read this http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

downbeach · 02/17/2013, 07:45 AM

I would get a decent set of test kits for your Alk, Ca, and Mg. There are a few good one's, but the new Red Sea Pro kits are reasonably accurate, and affordabel. Another piece of test equipment that is important is a good refractometer and some calibration fluid.

Here is a few good articles on the subject, and what your parameters should be, regardless of tank size:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

02/16/2013, 10:29 PM	#1
Rinks Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: South Bend Indiana Posts: 20	Simple alkalinity explanation please! Hi everyone. I'm still new to the hobby and getting a great grasp on things quickly. My question is what is the normal level of alkalinity in a 55 gal reef tank? I just purchased a strip kit and it came back at 260 ppm...? Then I'm reading that alkalinity is DH off the web... Am I missing something here. Thanks

02/16/2013, 10:36 PM	#2
hillscp Soylent Green is People!! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 759	dKH is a different measurement. Try this calculator. http://www.saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php I try to keep my alkalinity at 9 dKH (161 ppm) 260 ppm = 14.56 dKH (quite high) BTW, I wouldn't trust a test strip. Get a good test. Even API is better than a test strip (and probably good enough for an alk test IMO) If you want expert info then read this http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php __________________ 125 AGA, 240W DIY MultiChip LED's, Mated pair Clowns, Fox Face, Kole Tang, Purple Tang, 6 Line, CBB, Acanthophyllia, 7 RBTA's, T. Maxima, Orange Monti, Green Monti, seriatopora guttatus, fungia sp Current Tank Info: Salt water since 1995 Last edited by hillscp; 02/16/2013 at 10:42 PM.

02/17/2013, 07:45 AM	#3
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	I would get a decent set of test kits for your Alk, Ca, and Mg. There are a few good one's, but the new Red Sea Pro kits are reasonably accurate, and affordabel. Another piece of test equipment that is important is a good refractometer and some calibration fluid. Here is a few good articles on the subject, and what your parameters should be, regardless of tank size: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php Last edited by downbeach; 02/17/2013 at 07:50 AM.