Alkalinity Readings

acesfull44 · Nov 21, 2018

I am totally perplexed at the difference in readings from my Red Sea and Sailfert testing kits. Over the last week I have went from 3.5 (sailfert) to 6.7 (red sea) and everything in between. My parameters have been off since my "overdosing" by mistake of my Mag, roughly 2 weeks ago, which has read over 1500 for some time now. I have since stopped my Mag dosing, and dose 22.5ml of Alk and 5 ml of Cal. I use Red Sea salt. Any help would be appreciated.

My other #'s

1.025-1.026
PH 8.02
Cal 470
Phos .04

reefwiser · Nov 21, 2018

One could use a reference solution to check your test kit.

Here is a diy version:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/d...lkalinity-tests-that-use-ph-titration.357246/

Or you can purchase this reference solution.

http://cm-distributors.com/product/multi-reference-solution/

Also take sample to LFS and have them check your water out.

acesfull44 · Nov 22, 2018

reefwiser said:
One could use a reference solution to check your test kit.

Here is a diy version:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/d...lkalinity-tests-that-use-ph-titration.357246/

Or you can purchase this reference solution.

http://cm-distributors.com/product/multi-reference-solution/

Also take sample to LFS and have them check your water out.

Thank You!

Gareth elliott · Nov 22, 2018

With the salifert test, what are using as the done point?

Also are you using the included tip? Not needed but could skew if the syringe was not filled with accurate regent amount

acesfull44 · Nov 22, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
With the salifert test, what are using as the done point?

Also are you using the included tip? Not needed but could skew if the syringe was not filled with accurate regent amount

The instructions say to turn the syringe where the tip is pointing upward (and you can actually read the numbers) so that is what I do.

Gareth elliott · Nov 22, 2018

Meant the color change sorry wasnt more specific. There is some opportunity for error with titration and color change. Does the test produce a stable color change when done? I always give one more drop after i see purple and then a good long swirl. If doesnt stay pink i give another drop.