General Hardness and Carbonate?

[flobup]

New to hobby and from what ive read these two levels in my tank are WAY off. the test kit I bought from amazon reads my general hardness is around 300 and carbonate is like 40 or so (both in ppm)

 

[ScottR]

New to hobby and from what ive read these two levels in my tank are WAY off. the test kit I bought from amazon reads my general hardness is around 300 and carbonate is like 40 or so (both in ppm)

Don’t worry about those. I’m sure you’re using a multi kit that tests pH, nitrites, nitrates and general and hardness. The latter two don’t apply to saltwater aquariums. You generally want to watch your ammonia, pH, nitrites/nitrates (for heath of fish and corals) and perhaps potassium to control algae growth. There are a few other tests you can use further down the line to target your needs. I typically only check pH and nitrites/nitrates.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Most likely you are using a freshwater test. GH you won't need to worry about but your alk will be important once you have gone through your cycle