What should my carbonate hardess (KH) be?

[Dr.Nate]

So what's the range? Mine's at 10dh....is this too high?

[copi]

8-11 is good.

You need to measure calcium along with KH. They go hand in hand.

[Dr.Nate]

Thanks!

[hackteck]

whats a good testkit that includes kh and calcium

[Phyl]

I use salifert test kits. One for each. Very reliable, gives real numbers (not ranges).

[malkore]

I've not come across a marine test kit that had both. Salifert stuff is all separate. SeaChem marine basic doesn't have calcium kit included...they have a reef kit that has it, but I opt'd for the higher grade 'Reef Status' calcium kit they make.

[copi]

I agree that Salifert is the way to go. I use the Salifert alk/KH and Ca tests and I love them.

There is no need to go beyond NSW levels, 1.5-3 mEq/l (4.2-8.4 DKH). The only exception being cronic low pH issues that cannot be repaired environmentally.

Cheers
Steve