GH/KH API Test Kit

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by RemickJ, Dec 8, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. RemickJ

    RemickJ Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2008
    Messages:
    821
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    So I bought an API KH/GH test kit over the weekend and while using it tonight noticed that it was a freshwater kit. Does this matter considering I have a salt tank.

    I ran a test (before I noticed) and my KH took 10 drops which comes out on the chart as 179 and my GH never turned Green.. Don't laugh- but I gave up after 90 drops!!!!! :-/

    My concern is that my tank was filled pre water softner but I did use my RO/DI unit. Not sure what to think.... All other params are in check.

    0 - Nitrites/Nitrates/Ammonia
    PH - 8.3
    calcium - 480
     
    RemickJ, Dec 8, 2008
    RemickJ, Dec 8, 2008
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2008
    Messages:
    3,111
    Location:
    Earth
    I would assume that the saltwater and freshwater kits are different. I would get the saltwater kit and re-test.
     
    ZachB, Dec 10, 2008
    ZachB, Dec 10, 2008
    #2
  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
    Messages:
    7,933
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I would have to agree with ZachB. Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Dec 10, 2008
    lunatik_69, Dec 10, 2008
    #3
  4. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Messages:
    2,964
    Location:
    Clinton Township, Michigan
    O.k. totally weird! I got the GH/KH API test also and after reading your post thought wow did I get the fresh by mistake? Opened up my cabinet and sure enough.......I did. I couldn't believe it. So I just called my LFS buddy and he said you can't get a GH reading from salt water but the KH side is the same so the kit is good for what we want it for.
     
    unclejed, Dec 10, 2008
    unclejed, Dec 10, 2008
    #4
  5. RemickJ

    RemickJ Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2008
    Messages:
    821
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Is the chart different though? When I check my KH I want to say it took 10 drops which came out to 179. Is that the same number everyone else looks at.. I thought the other numbers thrown out there were like 2.0 2.5 or something like that.
     
    RemickJ, Dec 11, 2008
    RemickJ, Dec 11, 2008
    #5
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    10dKh is a good #. I like to read in dKh it's easier to remember.
    Some alkalinity conversions for quick use.
    7dkh=2.50meq/l=125ppm
    8dkh=2.86meq/l=133.9ppm
    9dkh=3.21meq/l=160.7ppm
    10dkh=3.57meq/l=178.6ppm
    11dkh=3.93meq/l=196.4ppm
    12dkh=4.29meq/l=214.3ppm
    13dkh=4.64meq/l=232.1ppm
    14dkh=5.00meq/l=250.0ppm
    15dkh=5.36meq/l=267.9ppm
    16dkh=5.71meq/l=285.7ppm
    17dkh=6.07meq/l=303.6ppm
    18dkh=6.43meq/l=321.4ppm
     
    missionsix, Dec 11, 2008
    missionsix, Dec 11, 2008
    #6
    1 person likes this.

    7. Click Here!

  7. RemickJ

    RemickJ Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2008
    Messages:
    821
    Location:
    Pennsylvania

    K+ for the info Mission!! That is great news for me. I have never added any buffer or anything to this tank so I am surprised. What else will a low number cause other then a lower PH.. Does it do anything to fish.. Just curious.
     
    RemickJ, Dec 11, 2008
    RemickJ, Dec 11, 2008
    #7
  8. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    missionsix, Dec 11, 2008
    missionsix, Dec 11, 2008
    #8