Alkalinity 14.1 Constant

RevJDA · 12/14/2021, 05:47 PM

I have been concerned about my alkalinity number. It stays at 14.1 using a Hanna Alkalinity Tester. I have done large water changes but it remains at 14.1 consistently. The pH is 8.0. Ca+ is 400. Phosphate and K+ are low and Nitrate is less than barely measurable.

I have reviewed posts here. I live alone with 2 cats and one dog. Otherwise, my house is pretty shut up but has good ventilation.

I have debated lowering it with vinegar but that seems extreme to me.

What can you suggest?

dubmaneh · 12/14/2021, 07:31 PM

Unless you’re adding something, alkalinity is pretty much determined by the salt you use.

Not sure of the ventilation comment. If you’re referring to carbon dioxide buildup, that affects ph not alkalinity.

What salt are you using?

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Vinny Kreyling · 12/15/2021, 09:52 AM

I suggest having your water double checked by another reefer or LFS.
Test kit could be bad.

RevJDA · 12/16/2021, 12:11 PM

Red Sea Coral Pro Salt

dubmaneh · 12/16/2021, 01:23 PM

Believe that salt mixes to 11.5 at 33ppt. I’d test with another kit to make sure it’s an accurate reading you’re getting.

Have had bad/expired kits that tested high before.

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RevJDA · 12/17/2021, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubmaneh

Believe that salt mixes to 11.5 at 33ppt. I’d test with another kit to make sure it’s an accurate reading you’re getting.

Have had bad/expired kits that tested high before.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I don't use a test kit. I have a Hanna Alkalinity meter.

Vinny Kreyling · 12/17/2021, 10:56 AM

I would still have it checked.

dubmaneh · 12/17/2021, 12:57 PM

Get your readings double checked to verify. Reagent expires and there have been bad batches before.

Has anything changes with your testing (new reagents, syringe, new vial etc.)?

Few thing more frustrating than making corrections to your system only to find out they weren’t needed.

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RevJDA · 12/18/2021, 05:00 PM

I agree. I ordered new test calibration kit and reagent.

Dan. · 12/19/2021, 10:19 AM

Is there someone local that has a kit you can compare with?

12/14/2021, 05:47 PM	#1
RevJDA Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nebraska City, NE Posts: 126	Alkalinity 14.1 Constant I have been concerned about my alkalinity number. It stays at 14.1 using a Hanna Alkalinity Tester. I have done large water changes but it remains at 14.1 consistently. The pH is 8.0. Ca+ is 400. Phosphate and K+ are low and Nitrate is less than barely measurable. I have reviewed posts here. I live alone with 2 cats and one dog. Otherwise, my house is pretty shut up but has good ventilation. I have debated lowering it with vinegar but that seems extreme to me. What can you suggest?

12/15/2021, 09:52 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I suggest having your water double checked by another reefer or LFS. Test kit could be bad. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

12/17/2021, 10:56 AM	#7
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I would still have it checked. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

12/14/2021, 07:31 PM	#2
dubmaneh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 271	Unless you’re adding something, alkalinity is pretty much determined by the salt you use. Not sure of the ventilation comment. If you’re referring to carbon dioxide buildup, that affects ph not alkalinity. What salt are you using? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

12/16/2021, 12:11 PM	#4
RevJDA Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nebraska City, NE Posts: 126	Red Sea Coral Pro Salt

12/16/2021, 01:23 PM	#5
dubmaneh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 271	Believe that salt mixes to 11.5 at 33ppt. I’d test with another kit to make sure it’s an accurate reading you’re getting. Have had bad/expired kits that tested high before. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

12/17/2021, 12:57 PM	#8
dubmaneh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 271	Get your readings double checked to verify. Reagent expires and there have been bad batches before. Has anything changes with your testing (new reagents, syringe, new vial etc.)? Few thing more frustrating than making corrections to your system only to find out they weren’t needed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

12/18/2021, 05:00 PM	#9
RevJDA Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nebraska City, NE Posts: 126	I agree. I ordered new test calibration kit and reagent.

12/19/2021, 10:19 AM	#10
Dan. Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 53	Is there someone local that has a kit you can compare with?