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…

 

[mmorrison55]

You could always test your LFS water and see what it’s registering.

Randy Holmes-Farley may be able to explain what, if anything, could increase your alk if you are not dosing anything and your LFS water reads lower than your display.


@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[mmorrison55]

Maybe link to this post from the reef chemistry sub forum.i know RHF mostly monitors and responds to posts there.

 

[mcarroll]

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!

Sounds confusing so maybe you're doing something wrong.

What do you get for test results if you test the same sample back to back to back (3 times)?

If you're doing it right, you should get VERY VERY similar results on all three tests. If not, you know something is amiss.....if it's something you're doing, it might become apparent since you'll be repeating the same steps over and over in short order.