Red sea alkalinity test bad?

[tranksTV]

So this morning my ALK test was 9.2 and just now I keep getting 5.9 over and over and over again? I feel like a swing like that would have some pretty gnarly affects. can my reagents have gone bad?

 

[dschuffert]

Possibly, what are the expiration dates of the reagent?

 

[Idech]

Test some RO and compare.

 

[Miami Reef]

Make an alkalinity standard to check the accuracy of your kit: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-alkalinity-standard.714738/

 

[tranksTV]

/Possibly, what are the expiration dates of the reagent?

0826

 

[dschuffert]

0826

The date looks good, and there is plenty of life left. You could send a water sample to one of the testing companies (I like using Fauna Marin and buy my tests from CoralVue). You could also take a water sample to your local fish store and see what they test at.

Contamination in the testing vial, an incorrect water sample volume, and other factors can all contribute to inconsistent results when hand testing.

Others have also commented with a few ideas.

 

[tranksTV]

The date looks good, and there is plenty of life left. You could send a water sample to one of the testing companies (I like using Fauna Marin and buy my tests from CoralVue). You could also take a water sample to your local fish store and see what they test at.

Contamination in the testing vial, an incorrect water sample volume, and other factors can all contribute to inconsistent results when hand testing.

Others have also commented with a few ideas.

Yeah idk I've done the test 5 times this evening each time getting 5.9 I did the test again without using the thing that holds the syringe and its now 7.0 I'm thinking maybe i have some contamination so I will I'm going to clean everything in citric acid and try again idk corals seem fine. but i think I'm going to invest in the Hana kit I'm so sick of looking at color changes my eyes hurt. thank you all for your suggestions. I will update if anyone's interested in checking back later

 

[Miami Reef]

I think the Hanna might be the better option for you. It’s easier than titrating and doesn’t require you to observe color changes. I think it’s good for beginners as it’s a bit more foolproof.

Let us know what the alk tests with the Hanna checker. :)

 

[rishma]

I think the Hanna might be the better option for you. It’s easier than titrating and doesn’t require you to observe color changes. I think it’s good for beginners as it’s a bit more foolproof.

Let us know what the alk tests with the Hanna checker. :)

I’m no beginner but it sure is better for me!!

Make an alkalinity standard to check the accuracy of your kit: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-alkalinity-standard.714738/

I had not seen this before. Very useful! Gives me some ideas around making a phosphate standard too.

 

[tranksTV]

Wouldn't call myself a beginner either but I'm definitely in a relearning phase. The fact that my eyes are bad plus the variations in colors due to different light no matter how stable I try to keep it Hana checker will just put my mind at ease.

 

[Miami Reef]

I’m no beginner but it sure is better for me!!

Wouldn't call myself a beginner either

Just cause something is for beginners doesn’t mean it’s inferior. I only used that to emphasize how easy it is to use and bulletproof. It’s very difficult to mess it up, and it’s plenty accurate for our use.

It’s good for any reefer IMO.

Of course, nothing is going to be more accurate for alkalinity than titration, but it will only be accurate under certain circumstances (color detection, making standards for questionable readings, or buying extra kits when unsure etc)

Of course, the same can apply to the Hanna checker (reagents can go bad, too).

 

[rishma]

Just cause something is for beginners doesn’t mean it’s inferior. I only used that to emphasize how easy it is to use and bulletproof. It’s very difficult to mess it up, and it’s plenty accurate for our use.

It’s good for any reefer IMO.

Of course, nothing is going to be more accurate for alkalinity than titration, but it will only be accurate under certain circumstances (color detection, making standards for questionable readings, or buying extra kits when unsure etc)

Of course, the same can apply to the Hanna checker (reagents can go bad, too).

Yep, I completely know what you meant and I take no offense. I need fool proof! If it’s good for a beginner it’s good for anyone. The checker is so easy, so fast, and my favorite test to do. I don’t have as much confidence in detecting color change with titration.

 

[robanister]

So this morning my ALK test was 9.2 and just now I keep getting 5.9 over and over and over again? I feel like a swing like that would have some pretty gnarly affects. can my reagents have gone bad?

I had same thing happen a year ago. It was saying 8 I was at 11. Do not use for alk. Hanna checker. I like ppm vs dkh.

 

[tranksTV]

Just cause something is for beginners doesn’t mean it’s inferior. I only used that to emphasize how easy it is to use and bulletproof. It’s very difficult to mess it up, and it’s plenty accurate for our use.

It’s good for any reefer IMO.

Of course, nothing is going to be more accurate for alkalinity than titration, but it will only be accurate under certain circumstances (color detection, making standards for questionable readings, or buying extra kits when unsure etc)

Of course, the same can apply to the Hanna checker (reagents can go bad, too).

Like wise was also not offended lol only reason i havent gotten a hana checker in the 7 years ive been keeping is price point but at this point Im the price to ease has become valid to my wallet.