Need some help with a KH/ALk tester!

I have the Salifert Test for Kh/Alk. I'm reading the instructions and ok.. I add 4ml of water in the test tube, then 2 drops of the KH-Ind. Now using the smaller syringe.. The 1ml one, I suck out 1ml of the KH. So im slowly dropping it in, and all of a sudden my water turns pink. NOW, how do you read the charts and the syringe... and one other thing. There is also another bottle that came with the box and the instructions does not even mention about it. It is the Alkalinity Check Solution .. How do I use that?

 

On the syrenge you read it in decimals. if the liquid is at the 0,4 mark that would mean you have .40 ml left. If it was at 0,3 then .30 ml in between the two .35 ml. You find that on the left column of the chart then just follow that line to the right to find what your KH (second column) or alk (third column) is.

The bottle the directions dont mention is a solution that has been pre tested to be at a set KH value. You can run your test on that bottle to be sure you kit chemicals are good.

I would seriously recommend you get a API KH test kit. Only one chemical to add. I have the API one and the Salifert alk test. I never even touch the salifert because its so complicated to use. With the API you add one drop at a time until color changes. When it does KH value is equal to the number of drops you put in.

 

I know... I shouldve just bought the api one. I was cheaper also.. But the guy at the fish store told me salifert is alot better and accurate.. I dunno if its true or he trying to make a couple of extra bucks.. Neways.. What am I aiming for? around the 12kh?

 

Iv heard 8-12. I try to keep mine at 11 so its high enough it could slip a little but not so high I might overshoot.

 

Yes, 8-12 dkh. The salifert is a little more involved but once you run the test a few times it isn't that bad. I have both salifert and Api. One thing, with the salifert, after the solution turns color, you point the syringe upward and look at the top of the black plunger to see where it is aligned with.

 

ok.. I just did the test.. I hope i read it right.. but there was about 0.16.. that reading is 13.4kh.. Why is my tank so high? hmmm... All i've been using is the 2 part calcium/alk buffering system.. Am i dosing it too often? I thought it raises and maintains proper alk levels..

 

It will most likely maintain your ph but it will keep adding to your alk. Funny my test always read that too but my API reads right...

 

High alk.. will effect wat? My pH is 8.2 and has been there for the over 3 months. Corals closing? Fish likely to be easily sick? ... what effect will it have IF my alk is at 13?

 

Nothing will happen. Alk at 13 dkh is fine and in fact some run their tank at 15 dkh just to have a higher buffer used for specific purposes. If you are concerned, on your dosing days, dose only the Calcium part or dose both but cut the Alk part in half.