My ALK test results - any issues?

[IndyReef]

my alk is 18 dkh. or 6.43 meg/l is this an issue?

 

[Bang Guy]

I think you need a new test kit

* edited *

I was a little hasty there, sorry.

If you are using a salt mix that uses Borate to artificially raise ALKalinity then your ALK reading is possible. It is not possible to keep Ca supersaturated with a true Carbonate Hardness of 18 at reef PH levels.

I believe your either have a defective test kit (Ca or dKh) or you are using a salt mix containing Borate and you may never know what your Carbonate levels really are.

If your corals are growing then you obviously have nothing to worry about

IMO Borate is misleading and I do not recommend using it as a buffer. It can supress Carbonate levels and prevent calcification in corals, stunting their growth.

 

[IndyReef]

I'm using salifert test kit for the CA and tropic marine for the alk. i am using instant ocean for my salt. My corals are growing, so manybe nothing to worry about?

 

[Bang Guy]

If your corals are growing you're ahead of the game If it works, don't &^&*#with it.