Salifert alk test questions

Do you consider the test complete when color BEGINS to change, or when the change is complete and no more change is possible? I go from blue to purple and then to pink.

Also, how reliable is the 7.6 dkh check solution? Even if I consider the test complete at the first sign of actual color change (purple), the check solution tests out at 8.0. Shall I trust the test, or trust the check solution?

Does any of that make sense?? ;D

 

How old is the kit? You should trust the test fluid. Should at least be in the ball park. The result is from when the color is done changing to the orangeish pink color. No purple.

 

Dang. By that method, the check solution comes out at 8.4.

Kit is brand new, with an expiration of 11-2013.

I tested several times, til I ran out of check solution - there might be enough in there for one last low-res test.

I'll have to take a sample to the LFS, and do a test from from the same sample myself and see what happens.

 

Yes, you want the "end" color. 8.4 is perfect.

 

It's not the tank that's 8.4, it's the "check solution". Like a calibration fluid. It's supposed to be 7.6 (+/- .3). So apparently the kit is about .8 off on the high side.

So, as of this morning, although the tank water tests out at 9.0, in reality it may be about 8.2. (+/- .3)

 

I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but how much sample are you taking? 4 or 5 ml? It is only supposed to be 4.

 

No apology necessary; I've been known to make boneheaded mistakes before.

But yes, I'm just using 4 ml.

 

Hmmm, after reading your post I got mine kit out and checked the test solution and mine came up 7.4 which is in the .03 +/- range. My suggestion for you now is to buy the cheaper API test and use the Salifert once a month and the API weekly or how ever often you check.

 

I think Salifert had some bad Alk kits that were reading high.

Check with them or your dealer.