KH Levels too low-Not Sure Why

[Shirak]

I think you need to take a deep dive on exactly how you are performing each test. The numbers can't be changing that much. The store numbers on the sticky note are good. 1.025sg salinity, 8 dkh alk.

I would look into your NO3 and PO4. You claim high numbers but the rock looks pretty bare for a 3yr old tank. There is no way your NO3 is 50ppm and PO4 .7ppm unless you are barely running the lights.

Can you post a full tank shot in white light and add what lights you have and settings?

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

LFS tests and your tests are wildly different... I'd probably ask the LFS to test again for you, and if their numbers are similar to their first test I'd be thinking you have some sort of testing issue.

I’m wondering if my test kit is faulty. It expires next year though.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You could consider trying this diy standard:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-alkalinity-standard.714738/

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

I think you need to take a deep dive on exactly how you are performing each test. The numbers can't be changing that much. The store numbers on the sticky note are good. 1.025sg salinity, 8 dkh alk.

I would look into your NO3 and PO4. You claim high numbers but the rock looks pretty bare for a 3yr old tank. There is no way your NO3 is 50ppm and PO4 .7ppm unless you are barely running the lights.

Can you post a full tank shot in white light and add what lights you have and settings?

White light

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

I think you need to take a deep dive on exactly how you are performing each test. The numbers can't be changing that much. The store numbers on the sticky note are good. 1.025sg salinity, 8 dkh alk.

I would look into your NO3 and PO4. You claim high numbers but the rock looks pretty bare for a 3yr old tank. There is no way your NO3 is 50ppm and PO4 .7ppm unless you are barely running the lights.

Can you post a full tank shot in white light and add what lights you have and settings?

Lights are on 7am-7pm

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

 

[Shirak]

What light is that?

Which test kit might be faulty?

I would also make the DIY refractometer calibration solution from Randy. That way you know it's correct.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

What light is that?

Which test kit might be faulty?

I would also make the DIY refractometer calibration solution from Randy. That way you know it's correct.

I think this might be the problem.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

What light is that?

Which test kit might be faulty?

I would also make the DIY refractometer calibration solution from Randy. That way you know it's correct.

Alk

 

[Shirak]

Alk

Make sure you are reading the results correctly. Salifert is odd in that it asks for the remaining amount in the syringe instead of the amount used. Other than that just make sure you are following the rest of the instructions carefully.

Yes you need a better light. Could not find much information on it but it's going to be lacking in power and spectrum for coral growth.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

Make sure you are reading the results correctly. Salifert is odd in that it asks for the remaining amount in the syringe instead of the amount used. Other than that just make sure you are following the rest of the instructions carefully.

Yes you need a better light. Could not find much information on it but it's going to be lacking in power and spectrum for coral growth.

I'm currently looking for a new light. At the top of my list is the AP Prime 16hd reef, but I'm looking to find something maybe in the $100-150 range. I'm not sure what spectrum to look for in the colors or how long each should be a day. It's been a while since I've had to research it.

 

[Shirak]

I'm currently looking for a new light. At the top of my list is the AP Prime 16hd reef, but I'm looking to find something maybe in the $100-150 range. I'm not sure what spectrum to look for in the colors or how long each should be a day. It's been a while since I've had to research it.

Skip the AI. Under powered and over priced. I have a prime on a 5 gallon tank and it works. Anything bigger and the spread will not be enough. For your budget range look to imported black box. Noopsyche, nicrew, viperspectra. There may be some others. Check out the lighting forum and ask there.

 

[spongebob2]

his first test:
Here's my tests:

2/11 Salinity: 1.028 ??

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

his first test:
Here's my tests:

2/11 Salinity: 1.028 ??

The salinity was a bit high on 2/11.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

Last night's testing:

LFS: good ranges

Calcium: 440
Alk: 8.3
Magnesium: 1260

 

[Faurek]

Get the SG to 1.025 and see if the refractometer is calibrated

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

Might have to buy a new one. That doesn’t look like regeneration does it? This is my first ever coral besides the hammer that’s adjusting to the new wavemaker.

 

[Shirak]

Might have to buy a new one. That doesn’t look like regeneration does it? This is my first ever coral besides the hammer that’s adjusting to the new wavemaker.

It appears to be gone :(
I would look into the light situation before spending any more money on corals.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

I did kh 3x today. I’ve doubled checked directions and watched videos. Everything has been rinsed RODI water.

Today’s Tests:

Kh: 7.3
Salinity: 1.025
Nitrates: 61.4
Phosphates: 0.90 flashing

Doing a 50% water change to bring the NO3 and PO4 down. I dosed Live Phyto to the corals but I don’t think it should have gone up this high. I feed the clown just enough until he slows down with frozen.

 

[Shirak]

I did kh 3x today. I’ve doubled checked directions and watched videos. Everything has been rinsed RODI water.

Today’s Tests:

Kh: 7.3
Salinity: 1.025
Nitrates: 61.4
Phosphates: 0.90 flashing

Doing a 50% water change to bring the NO3 and PO4 down. I dosed Live Phyto to the corals but I don’t think it should have gone up this high. I feed the clown just enough until he slows down with frozen.

Did you get similar numbers for all three alk tests?

As far as the nitrates and phosphates I have no clue how much you have fed and how often you are doing water changes. But those numbers sound high based on the way your tank looks but they could be correct. You do need a proper coral light if you are going to keep corals..

When using the Hanna, make sure you line up the cuvette in the same orientation when you first push the button for C1 and again for C2. I have a small mark on my cuvette at the top so I can face the mark forwards in the checker. Make sure you are mixing the cuvette for 2 minutes and it is oriented in the same direction and clean of finger prints before inserting into the checker and holding the button to start the countdown timer.

Afterwards dump the solution and rinse/shake several times with RODI and then fill and cap with RODI for storage.