I feel like an idiot, but I've been trying to figure out my Salifert KH/Alkalinity chart. When testing for Alkalinity I use a complete syringe and another to .07. Doe this mean my Alkalinity it too high or too low? My Calcium reads at .12 mls = 13.7 dKH. My Phosphates are at .25, Nitrates 0, Ammonia 0, High Range PH 8.0 and PH at 8.2, Nitre 0. It just seems too off either way. Please Help!
Alkalinity , is it too high or too low?
- Thread starter Raeshelle
- Start date
bang guy
Moderator
If it were me I would first get a new test kit and test it again to see if I got a bad test kit.
If the test kit is good then make a small batch of new saltwater and test it for Alkalinity to see if that's the source of Carbonate.
If it is then I'd check the TDS of my RO water to make sure it's good.
If the water is good then the salt mix is bad.
If it's not the salt or the water then it has to be something you added to the tank. What additives have you been using, if any.
If nothing is dying then I'd let the Alkalinity come down naturally.
If the test kit is good then make a small batch of new saltwater and test it for Alkalinity to see if that's the source of Carbonate.
If it is then I'd check the TDS of my RO water to make sure it's good.
If the water is good then the salt mix is bad.
If it's not the salt or the water then it has to be something you added to the tank. What additives have you been using, if any.
If nothing is dying then I'd let the Alkalinity come down naturally.
I get the water from our local fish store since I have well water and no R/o system. I just tested a gallon I have for evaporation Refill and it tested high. When I had the same store test my water before I started getting thiers, they said it tested low and gave me alkalinity additives and advised me to get their water. So, for weeks I've been adding the alk. Along with calcium and couldn't figure out why t was low since I'm getting water from them. I tested pure alk. And realized they told me the opposite!
lmforbis
Well-Known Member
If you are topping off for evaporation with salt water you want to stop. You only top off with fresh water. Only the actual water evaporates the salt stays behind. If you top off with salt water you are gradually increasing all the salts, calcium, magnesium sodium chloride bicarb, etc. every time you add water. If you are using ro water ignore me.