Alk Reading 4.5

[Reamer27]

Tested my parameters and my alk is reading 4.5. Using the aquaforest test kit for alk and salifert for the others. My salt is the aquaforest reef mix. I tested the alk for the water I used for my wc and it read 6 for alk. I have 3 zoa frags and 1 hammer currently.

Ph is 7.8
Alk 4.5
Calcium 390
Mag 1400
Salinity 1.026

Whats the best approach to raise the alk

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What salt mix are you using that measured 6 dKH? None should at 35 ppt salinity. You may have a test issue, not a low alk issue.

 

[Fish Fan]

Tested my parameters and my alk is reading 4.5. Using the aquaforest test kit for alk and salifert for the others. My salt is the aquaforest reef mix. I tested the alk for the water I used for my wc and it read 6 for alk. I have 3 zoa frags and 1 hammer currently.

Ph is 7.8
Alk 4.5
Calcium 390
Mag 1400
Salinity 1.026

Whats the best approach to raise the alk

At 35 ppt or 1.026 SG AquaForrest Reef Salt should mix to 7.7 to 8.3 dKH:

As Randy mentioned, this could be test kit error. I'd add that I think you should double check the calibration on your refractometer. Here's Randy's article on making your own salinity calibration standard solution using just ordinary Morton's table salt and a decent kitchen scale or even measuring spoons:

Reef Aquarium Salinity: DIY Calibration Standards

Reef Aquarium Salinity: DIY Calibration Standards By Randy Holmes-Farley One of the most important issues facing marine aquarists is providing a suitable environment for their aquaria's inhabitants. Among the important properties for a marine...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck!

 

[Reamer27]

I borrowed a test kit from someone and am reading 6.3 on dkh. I checked the calibration of the refractometer and its accurate. So im chalking this down to a bad test kit and the salt batch mixing lower than its supposed to. Should I try raising it slightly with baking soda?