Is Ph Ph ???

[ifirefight]

I have tested the ph in my tank with, red sea = 8.0, API = 8.0, my pool test kit reads 8.0,and my brandnew Tetra test kit that I bought at the LFS (because thats the one they use) 7.7

All kits are fairly new. What should i believe?? Then my LFS trys to sell me some buffer to raise my ph up with

All tests taken with same water. :notsure:

 

[gwh57]

I would go with the odds 3 of 4 indicate 8.0. The 7.7 may also be correct if the PH sample was taken at a different time. PH does change and even over a 24 hour period different results can had while testing for PH.

 

[lion_crazz]

Tetra's kits are probably among the worst, if you ask me. I think Tetra is more of a freshwater company, anyway.
How is your alkalinity?

 

[trigger11]

I would agree with GW. It is probably 8.0. I myself have tried a few different test kits and I would never say you get a true reading. Depending on the time of day. And also depending on the kit because you usually only get a color range. I believe this is the reason why most people get a refractometer which I will be doing with my next paycheck. Very accurate results.

 

[lion_crazz]

Refractometers measure salinity. A pH meter would be the most accurate way of measuring pH.
This is why most people recommend using Salifert. They are highly accurate and it is simple to read. 8.2 is blue, 8.4 is green, and so forth. With some of the tests, it is so easy to see one color when it really is another one.

 

[joe4117]

I have a digital ph meter That works great but it needs a 9v battery every 2 weeks... so wht i do is when adding any buffers or trace elements i turn it on and keep it on for 24 hrs to see if any drastic change happens,also same when adding livegoods. then if no change i turn it off till i add something new or water change...

 

[trigger11]

Thanks for the correction Lion. Yes, the refractometer is for SG and not PH. I was at the end of my lunch period at work and was trying to think and type fast. Guess I better not do that anymore. LOL