Low ALK?

i would try another test. if low to them is 8dkh it still is fine. what about ur ca and mg. is ur ph stable. if the alk was really low i would think the ph would be lower.

 

salinity reads- 1.027, which has to be wrong because its read that since the day I started my tank and I top off with RO water, which you would think it would eventually go down, but it never does.

And My test kit didnt come with a magnesium or calcium test, looks like i know what I have to buy.

 

But as for the salinity, I have a Red Sea Hydrometer, and it constantly reads that its 1.027, I dont think its accurate at all.

 

boo to your hydrometer, I'd recommend using a refractometer.

 

whats with the nh3? did you recently have something die in ur tank? at 3 months the cycle should be over. how often do you test ur water? did you test it through the cycle? you shouldnt have any nh3.....200th post!

 

im deff investing into one.

 

Aye I agree.
I don't have any experience with Red Sea kits but if you are having trouble with them people swear by Salifert but I could never afford them. I like SeaChem test kits.

 

katie

would 2nd the advice that you get a better alk test - consider salifert, they seem to be highly regarded. this will give you an actual measurement of dkH. your goal is to be at or above 8 (some may say higher). once you have this number, then use the references to pick a method for correction (baking soda solution is easiest, imho).

you should expect your salinity/spec.grav to stay where it is when you replace evaporate with RO - you lose water, not solute, to evaporation. so as long as you make your water change mix up exactly the same everytime your spg should stay stable.

good luck!

 

all i can do is read read read, and learn learn learn.

 

You are doing great...That is exactly how I learned--Do the work.