High KH Value

stricknine · 08/19/2008, 07:38 PM

I did my usual water tests today and read a high value of KH. The test kit manual said to check with my marine specialist in this case so here I am! The water readings were as follows;
Ammonia - 0-trace
nitrate - 0
nitrite - 0-trace
PH - 8.1
Calcium - 650*** (too high?)
KH - 150 (120 suggested)

Am I ok here? I am using a HAGEN-Nutrafin test kit, very hard to differentiate the tested water from the water chart params. I put trace on the above just for the fact there was a slight possibility of the colour being present, but for the CA and KH I am confident the readings are as accurate as the test kits are.

While I am here, is there a better kit, possibly an internet supplier with great rates anyone would vouch for?

Thanks!!!

kau_cinta_ku · 08/19/2008, 07:46 PM

what are you dosing in the tank? I am not sure on what the KH is in DKH but your cal. is very high. I would think your tank would look like snow with that high of readings.

on a side note I have never really had good luck using the Hagen test kits. if you can go out and buy the API cal. and alk. kits, they are cheap and reliable IMO.

stricknine · 08/19/2008, 08:21 PM

Thanks Kau, although I have all the necessary dosing stuff, I have not had to use them yet. The only thing I add to the tank is phytoplankton, "reef roids", and mixes of fish food (garlic, brine, mysis, and plankton) twice a day. Asso, salt is always at a steady 1.024-1.025.

Also, will look for the API kits. The two LFS all carry HAGEN. Could you suggest an online store reputable?

THANKS!

Aquarist007 · 08/19/2008, 08:27 PM

you might also check your level of magnesium while you are at it
A level of 1300 ppm is needed to keep a level of calcium over 400 ppm

kau_cinta_ku · 08/19/2008, 08:52 PM

not petco's or petsmarts around there? they always carry API's.

otherwise fosters and smith, and marine depot are good places to order from. I am sure there are some other online places in Canada but I don't know them.

seapug · 08/19/2008, 09:09 PM

Those values are suspect, IMO.
I'd repeat the test a couple times and be very careful to add one drop of fluid at a time and mix between each one. Speaking from experience, sloppy testing procedure can give you some whacky results.

08/19/2008, 07:38 PM	#1
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	High KH Value I did my usual water tests today and read a high value of KH. The test kit manual said to check with my marine specialist in this case so here I am! The water readings were as follows; Ammonia - 0-trace nitrate - 0 nitrite - 0-trace PH - 8.1 Calcium - 650*** (too high?) KH - 150 (120 suggested) Am I ok here? I am using a HAGEN-Nutrafin test kit, very hard to differentiate the tested water from the water chart params. I put trace on the above just for the fact there was a slight possibility of the colour being present, but for the CA and KH I am confident the readings are as accurate as the test kits are. While I am here, is there a better kit, possibly an internet supplier with great rates anyone would vouch for? Thanks!!!

08/19/2008, 08:27 PM	#4
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	you might also check your level of magnesium while you are at it A level of 1300 ppm is needed to keep a level of calcium over 400 ppm __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

08/19/2008, 09:09 PM	#6
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	Those values are suspect, IMO. I'd repeat the test a couple times and be very careful to add one drop of fluid at a time and mix between each one. Speaking from experience, sloppy testing procedure can give you some whacky results. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

08/19/2008, 07:46 PM	#2
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	what are you dosing in the tank? I am not sure on what the KH is in DKH but your cal. is very high. I would think your tank would look like snow with that high of readings. on a side note I have never really had good luck using the Hagen test kits. if you can go out and buy the API cal. and alk. kits, they are cheap and reliable IMO.

08/19/2008, 08:21 PM	#3
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	Thanks Kau, although I have all the necessary dosing stuff, I have not had to use them yet. The only thing I add to the tank is phytoplankton, "reef roids", and mixes of fish food (garlic, brine, mysis, and plankton) twice a day. Asso, salt is always at a steady 1.024-1.025. Also, will look for the API kits. The two LFS all carry HAGEN. Could you suggest an online store reputable? THANKS!

08/19/2008, 08:52 PM	#5
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	not petco's or petsmarts around there? they always carry API's. otherwise fosters and smith, and marine depot are good places to order from. I am sure there are some other online places in Canada but I don't know them.