Alk is wack!

[natefende]

I just did 3 tests for alk and they all said 300. That’s the limit for Hanna. What do I do?

 

[Mebbid]

I just did 3 tests for alk and they all said 300. That’s the limit for Hanna. What do I do?

Mix 10mL of tank water with 10mL of rodi water and test that. Double the results. Would probably want to take a sample to a lfs to confirm the measurement.

 

[natefende]

Mix 10mL of tank water with 10mL of rodi water and test that. Double the results. Would probably want to take a sample to a lfs to confirm the measurement.

I just did API test and it’s 180ish not 300+ like Hanna says. What an I doing wrong?

 

[Mebbid]

Assuming you did the tests correctly, it could be a problem with the reagents. Are they expired? A different batch number than what you have been using?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What are you measuring? A reef tank? New? What salt mix? Using tap water?

 

[Fish Styx]

Some things to consider:

1) Are you following the proper methodology as outlined in the instruction card that comes with the photmeter?

2) Are you ensuring that your sample(s) are drawn from the same source?

3) Are you ensuring that all of the reagent makes its way into the cuvette and sample?

4) Are your reagents expired?

5) Are the cuvettes that you are using potentially contaminated (i.e. not properly cleaned)?

6) Are you ensuring that the outside of the cuvette is fully wiped down of water spots and oils from your hand before inserting it into the device?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

How does your calcium look?

Does everything look fine in your tank?

There are a lot of contributing factors as to why your alk could be that low.