Hanna Alk Checker Reading High

[eastgill]

Hi all,

Has anyone had issues with their Hanna alk checker reading high? Mine’s reading in the 10s, but I don’t dose anything and the water I’m doing water changes with is reading in the mid 9s. I buy the water from my LFS and do about a 25% water change every week or so. Any reason why my alk would go up without me dosing anything, or is my checker wonky? Maybe I’m not testing right? Appreciate any thoughts!

 

[Saltyreef]

Are you comparing it to your new water you mixed? What are you using to measure salinity?

 

[mmorrison55]

Unless your reagent is really old, there’s a good chance your readings are accurate.

If in doubt, pick up a salifert kit to compare.

Do you know what salt your LFS uses? They could be using a brand with a higher alk ratio for coral growth.

 

[eastgill]

Are you comparing it to your new water you mixed? What are you using to measure salinity?

I guess I’m just confused on how my alk in my tank is higher than the alk of the water I’m using for my water changes. I use just a hand held refractometer for measuring salinity.

 

[eastgill]

Unless your reagent is really old, there’s a good chance your readings are accurate.

If in doubt, pick up a salifert kit to compare.

Do you know what salt your LFS uses? They could be using a brand with a higher alk ratio for coral growth.

I believe I’ve heard them say they use a mix of different salts. I guess I could ask them what they measure their alk at. I would just assume they wouldn’t use any salt with elevated alk, but you know what they say about assuming…