Question about test Alkalinity

[bavass]

I see people saying there Alkalinity is 8-9-or 10. I am using the Red Sea pH & Alkalinity test kit combo. On my chart is shows normal 1.7-2.8 which mine is in range. Is this a junk test kit? Should I be using a different brand?

 

[fshfrk58]

I believe when people say theirs is 8 or higher, then they are using a different scale. The scale you are using is right. Don't get them confused or you will have problems. I can't remember off hand what the name of the scale is but don't worry the one you are using is fine. I used the same one for a long time and never had a problem.

 

[bavass]

sweet thanks

 

[Innovator]

Here you go: OZ REEF - Alkalinity Conversion

 

[bavass]

so do i need a Alkalinity test kit and a dkh test kit. Or if Alkalinity is 2.5 then my dkh is 7?

 

[Innovator]

Use meq/l for form and I would use another test kit because it states your Alk is unreasonably low.

 

[Aquarium1]

Just curious what is meq/l and ppm CaCO3?

 

[bavass]

Use meq/l for form and I would use another test kit because it states your Alk is unreasonably low.

looks like about 3.5

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

...Or if Alkalinity is 2.5 then my dkh is 7?

You are correct. Those two numbers are measuring the same thing - just reporting it differently. Just like Celsius and Fahrenheit... 32F and 0C are the same thing. For a direct conversion, (dkh) / 2.8 = meq/l

And regarding "normal" and "high", I'd have to disagree with that card. For a reef tank, you really want alkalinity of 3.0-4.0 meq/l (8-12 dkh). Their "normal" range, I'd consider borderline low.

 

[bavass]

You are correct. Those two numbers are measuring the same thing - just reporting it differently. Just like Celsius and Fahrenheit... 32F and 0C are the same thing. For a direct conversion, (dkh) / 2.8 = meq/l

And regarding "normal" and "high", I'd have to disagree with that card. For a reef tank, you really want alkalinity of 3.0-4.0 meq/l (8-12 dkh). Their "normal" range, I'd consider borderline low.

So you think I need to bring it up some?

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

No. Looks like you're in the 2.9-3.6 range, which would be where I'd want to be.

 

[bavass]

sweet thanks