Alkalinity and ph?

[mattyf]

I'm confused about a water test reading I took. The test strip reported Total Alkalinity as 40, which the reader says is low (target 120-180). But it says the ph was 6.6, which it says is right on target (6.4-6.8). I'm confused though because everything I've read online says raising Alkalinity raises ph.

The readings I took seem to be saying I need to raise alkalinity WITHOUT affecting ph?

Thanks!

 

[Rutrag]

Unless you were keeping pretty sensitive fish, or trying to breed, it’s probably not worth chasing numbers. Stability is more important by far.

Raising alkalinity almost always raises pH. That being said, I think your pH is a little on the low side.

What fish do you intend to keep?