KH

[jdivz87]

I bought a test strip while I cycle and I’m looking online and it keeps saying the amount of KH should be 8-12 but when I look at the container to compare with strip it’s in increments of 40s…. 0/40/80/120 etc etc

someone please explain lol

 

[Jeffcb]

I bought a test strip while I cycle and I’m looking online and it keeps saying the amount of KH should be 8-12 but when I look at the container to compare with strip it’s in increments of 40s…. 0/40/80/120 etc etc

someone please explain lol

What test kit is it. Pics would help.

 

[CasperOe]

I bought a test strip while I cycle and I’m looking online and it keeps saying the amount of KH should be 8-12 but when I look at the container to compare with strip it’s in increments of 40s…. 0/40/80/120 etc etc

someone please explain lol

What units are your testing kit using? You can quite easily convert to dHK / KH by the use of Google!

A little more information would be helpful; pictures of the test kit maybe?

… and a subject line with a wee bit more substance to it

 

[jdivz87]

What units are your testing kit using? You can quite easily convert to dHK / KH by the use of Google!

A little more information would be helpful; pictures of the test kit maybe?

… and a subject line with a wee bit more substance to it

 

[CasperOe]

To convert from ppm to dKH alkalinity, simply multiply the result by 0.056

 

[CasperOe]

.. I’d get a better test kit though! There‘s plenty of posts on R2R of what people are using! :

 

[jdivz87]

.. I’d get a better test kit though! There‘s plenty of posts on R2R of what people are using! :

Yeah waiting for redsea pro but figured try this one for now

 

[CasperOe]

Yeah waiting for redsea pro but figured try this one for now

Here's what I use:

Salinity: Milwaukee MA887 refractometer

Alkalinity: Hanna HI-772 (dKH)

Calcium: Red Sea (Primary) / NYOS (Control) - Just sold my Hanna checker because it did not give me a consistent reading

Magnesium: Red Sea (Primary) / NYOS (Control)

Phosphate: HI-736 Phosphorus Checker

Nitrate: HI-782 Marine Nitrate High Range

It is hard to determine which test kit is 'the best'.

In my opinion, the best indicator is which one you can use to get a consistent result. Below might work for me on a consistent basis, but not for you! Trial and error- compare the test kits out there and find what suits you better!

All the best- and good luck!

 

[jdivz87]

Here's what I use:

Salinity: Milwaukee MA887 refractometer

Alkalinity: Hanna HI-772 (dKH)

Calcium: Red Sea (Primary) / NYOS (Control) - Just sold my Hanna checker because it did not give me a consistent reading

Magnesium: Red Sea (Primary) / NYOS (Control)

Phosphate: HI-736 Phosphorus Checker

Nitrate: HI-782 Marine Nitrate High Range

It is hard to determine which test kit is 'the best'.

In my opinion, the best indicator is which one you can use to get a consistent result. Below might work for me on a consistent basis, but not for you! Trial and error- compare the test kits out there and find what suits you better!

All the best- and good luck!

Very informative much appreciated

 

[jdivz87]

Off topic any of you have an idea why my tank seems to be getting lower in to tank. Salinity is fine. Not sure any outside factors that may come into play. Random but a humidifier in same room affect?

 

[CasperOe]

Off topic any of you have an idea why my tank seems to be getting lower in to tank. Salinity is fine. Not sure any outside factors that may come into play. Random but a humidifier in same room affect?

There can be a number of reasons why your tank level drops… Here’s a number; there is many more to chose from!

1. Natural evaporation - Salinity will rise; top op with RODI water to maintain a stable level

2. Skimmer cup filling with water - Replace with saltwater at the density / salinity you have chosen

3. You keep removing water for testing purposes, acclimating fish/coral etc. - Replace with saltwater at the density / salinity you have chosen

4. Your thank is leaking - OH ****! - Hope its not that..

How are you testing your salinity? And what PPM, SG, Density is ‘fine’?

 

[jdivz87]

Skimmer isn’t in yet, have no fish and

There can be a number of reasons why your tank level drops… Here’s a number; there is many more to chose from!

1. Natural evaporation - Salinity will rise; top op with RODI water to maintain a stable level

2. Skimmer cup filling with water - Replace with saltwater at the density / salinity you have chosen

3. You keep removing water for testing purposes, acclimating fish/coral etc. - Replace with saltwater at the density / salinity you have chosen

4. Your thank is leaking - OH ****! - Hope its not that..

How are you testing your salinity? And what PPM, SG, Density is ‘fine’?

no skimmer and no leaking lol double triple quadruple checked that lol .. no fish. Hopefully natural evaporation lol.
Salinity 1.24/1.25

 

[jdivz87]

Skimmer isn’t in yet, have no fish and

no skimmer and no leaking lol double triple quadruple checked that lol .. no fish. Hopefully natural evaporation lol.
Salinity 1.24/1.25

I did notice that when I turn the pump lower it raises level in tank, obviously because it’s taking less water to return into tank. Should I not do that?

 

[CasperOe]

Skimmer isn’t in yet, have no fish and

no skimmer and no leaking lol double triple quadruple checked that lol .. no fish. Hopefully natural evaporation lol.
Salinity 1.24/1.25

I keep 1.025 (33.5)

ppt on mine; you’re fine!

 

[CasperOe]

I did notice that when I turn the pump lower it raises level in tank, obviously because it’s taking less water to return into tank. Should I not do that?

Just adjust your drain/gate valve between the display and your sump accordingly.

If you’re running an AIO setup with no sump, adjust your return pump to maintain required/desired level in your rear filter compartment

 

[jdivz87]

I keep 1.025 (33.5)

ppt on mine; you’re fine!