Salifert KH/DKH test kit

GreenGoby · 07/29/2007, 09:28 AM

I just got my tank setup after having new flooring installed. I checked the alk since my green button polyps are not opening as welll as my orange zoas. The test comes out with the Alk showing to be 5.XX. How can I correct this? The water was about 30percent from my original setup. The rest was mixed from Tropic Marin Pro using R/O DI water. I do have a water conditioner so the water is fairly neutral in terms of hardness/softness.

kau_cinta_ku · 07/29/2007, 10:03 AM

what test kit you using?

Lobster · 07/29/2007, 10:27 AM

You should always test and adjust the parameters of newly mixed saltwater before using it... its rarely going to be where you want it right out the bucket.

There's a number of ways to raise alkalinity. Make sure you also adjust calcium and magnesium to correct levels.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

GreenGoby · 07/29/2007, 11:44 AM

Sorry it is a Salifert test kit. And I don't need to raise alk I need to lower it as it is already too high.

raulalonso · 07/29/2007, 11:52 AM

I reduce the KH by adding Mg and Strontium. Follow mannufacturer's instructions and you will be fine, is better to gradually reduce the levels than in one shot.

kau_cinta_ku · 07/29/2007, 12:05 PM

sorry should have read the salifert part in the tiltle lol. no need to go on a panic. just let the tank reduse it itself it will go down in a couple of days. but what are you reading it at DKH or meq/L

Peter Eichler · 07/29/2007, 03:44 PM

There are many many salifert alkalinity kits that seem to be reading high right now. Since you didn't really add anything to boost your alk I would suspect the test kit at this point. Also, be sure you follow the test directions closely. If your alkalinity really is that high there's really nothing to be concerned about and you should just let it fall naturally.

bertoni · 07/29/2007, 04:42 PM

Getting a second opinion on the test kit might be useful, I agree.

Dosing magnesium and strontium won't affect the alkalinity. I assume that alkalinity was about 5 meq/L? If so, just stop dosing alkalinity and it should drop on its own. If any animals are showing signs of trouble, then some water changes should help.

Is a pH buffer being dosed into the tank? They commonly cause this problem, since they are just high-pH alkalinity supplements.

07/29/2007, 09:28 AM	#1
GreenGoby Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cypress,TX Posts: 17	Salifert KH/DKH test kit I just got my tank setup after having new flooring installed. I checked the alk since my green button polyps are not opening as welll as my orange zoas. The test comes out with the Alk showing to be 5.XX. How can I correct this? The water was about 30percent from my original setup. The rest was mixed from Tropic Marin Pro using R/O DI water. I do have a water conditioner so the water is fairly neutral in terms of hardness/softness.

07/29/2007, 10:27 AM	#3
Lobster Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hammond, LA Posts: 642	You should always test and adjust the parameters of newly mixed saltwater before using it... its rarely going to be where you want it right out the bucket. There's a number of ways to raise alkalinity. Make sure you also adjust calcium and magnesium to correct levels. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm __________________ -Ken

07/29/2007, 03:44 PM	#7
Peter Eichler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,081	There are many many salifert alkalinity kits that seem to be reading high right now. Since you didn't really add anything to boost your alk I would suspect the test kit at this point. Also, be sure you follow the test directions closely. If your alkalinity really is that high there's really nothing to be concerned about and you should just let it fall naturally. __________________ April 2015 TOTM

07/29/2007, 04:42 PM	#8
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Getting a second opinion on the test kit might be useful, I agree. Dosing magnesium and strontium won't affect the alkalinity. I assume that alkalinity was about 5 meq/L? If so, just stop dosing alkalinity and it should drop on its own. If any animals are showing signs of trouble, then some water changes should help. Is a pH buffer being dosed into the tank? They commonly cause this problem, since they are just high-pH alkalinity supplements. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/29/2007, 10:03 AM	#2
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	what test kit you using?

07/29/2007, 11:44 AM	#4
GreenGoby Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cypress,TX Posts: 17	Sorry it is a Salifert test kit. And I don't need to raise alk I need to lower it as it is already too high.

07/29/2007, 11:52 AM	#5
raulalonso Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Guadalajara Posts: 72	I reduce the KH by adding Mg and Strontium. Follow mannufacturer's instructions and you will be fine, is better to gradually reduce the levels than in one shot.

07/29/2007, 12:05 PM	#6
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	sorry should have read the salifert part in the tiltle lol. no need to go on a panic. just let the tank reduse it itself it will go down in a couple of days. but what are you reading it at DKH or meq/L