Dkh 4

The DKH in my tank has consistently been at 4, even with my water changes. I decided to check my fresh RODI water (unit 2 months old) and it came out to 4 DKH. Is this normal?


UPDATE:
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0
Phosphates 0
Calcium 420
HR pH. 7.9

 

Is this a reef tank?
Sounds like a good reason to get it tested with another test kit before doing anything.
If it is indeed that low get some Sodium carbonate and use this calculator
Reef Chemistry Calculator to slowly bring it up to normal.

 

Also I just wanted to add. If this is a reef tank you will not be able to keep dKh up without supplements. Depending on the amount of corals.. simple water changes won't be able to keep up.
Things you can use to raise dKh are usually pretty cheap.
Sodium carbonate = baked baking soda (found in the laundry section of grocery stores)
Sodium bicarbonate = baking soda ( lowers PH)
Commercial buffers like Kent Marine is what I've been using
Soda ash from bulkreefsupply.com <--- probably best choice.

 

+1 on double checking your test kit--that seems major low--have you tested your tap??

 

this is a reef tank, but I only have 4 corals at the moment. The DKH is low because the RODI water I am using measures at 4 DK, is that normal? I will look into the soda ash

 

tested my fresh made RODI water and it came up as 4 too.

 

what about the tap water, have you tested that? before you order or dose anything get a second opinion (test) from a trusted LFS. what test kit are you using, and when is the expiration date?

~Will.

 

Alkalinity is a state the water is in, alkaline instead of acidic or neutral. My hunch is the test is bad. If the tank were that acidic, the tank would have more than likely crashed.

 

Here are my DKH results:

DKH of straight tap water: 10 (just tested)
DKH of RODI water: 4
DKH of tank: 4

I am using an API test kit that is about a year old and doesnt have an expiration date on it.

 

Read through this thread......For Those Who Use Api Test Kits *fyi* ( 1 2 3)




Luna