Very high alkalinity API help

[Blakskall]

I have an api test kit im starting not to trust, its telling me my dkh is 18, last month it was 11, ive tried it dozens of times.. And the same result, Could my dkh really be that high? Thanks

[bribo12]

I'd invest in a better test kit like Red Sea, Elos or salifert. That seems way off

[Blakskall]

Originally Posted by bribo12

I'd invest in a better test kit like Red Sea, Elos or salifert. That seems way off

So im safe in assuming that 18 dkh is unusual for saltwater tanks?

[bribo12]

Yeah that's pretty crazy

[Macscale]

18dkh... You must have some unhappy corals! Haha, The test kit is definitely off. Normally for any trace elements I recommended getting a better kit.. API still hasn't mastered them.

[Blakskall]

Thats the thing i didnt trust, my tank looks fine! What would i notice if my alk was that high?

[Macscale]

For fish:
Breaks slime coat.
Leaves them vulnerable to infection.
Dissolves there fins.
turns non toxic ammonia toxic.
Makes it hard for them to breathe.
Only if it is high for a long period of time though.

For Corals:
Evaporates calcium, bad for SPS.

For equipment:
The evaporated calcium can gather on the sides of the tank and burn out equipment.

[Blakskall]

I see, all my other test kits are salifert, u guys recommend that for alk?

[BigRedsReefs10]

Ya, salifert makes good kits

[Blakskall]

Thanks guys