Water Chemistry Frustration

[Dresden]

What are you using to test your Alk? I ask because I read there was a bad batch of regent for the Hanna Alk tester.

[marineman41]

Originally Posted by Dresden

What are you using to test your Alk? I ask because I read there was a bad batch of regent for the Hanna Alk tester.

I was using a Hanna tester. But I did confirm with my Red Sea KH test as well.

[gregzz4]

Just to clarify; you today tested 4.5dKH, not 4.5meq/L, yes?

First thing I'd recommend is you have your LFS test your Alk with their kit.

If this shows your test kits are OK then I'd suspect your salt mixes have settled.
If you don't use a whole bucket in one go, you've likely heard to roll each new bucket before opening.
Hopefully it turns out you have 2 bad tests as I've not yet heard of a salt mix being so low.

Other thoughts are possibly leaving your new water sit for too long. Apparently AF recommends using their brands within 48hours/5days respectively dependent upon which product you use. After this the minerals may/will precipitate out/bond together and there come your low readings.
If this is the case, put the AF aside for emergencies and use the RS Blue going forward.

[marineman41]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Just to clarify; you today tested 4.5dKH, not 4.5meq/L, yes?

First thing I'd recommend is you have your LFS test your Alk with their kit.

If this shows your test kits are OK then I'd suspect your salt mixes have settled.
If you don't use a whole bucket in one go, you've likely heard to roll each new bucket before opening.
Hopefully it turns out you have 2 bad tests as I've not yet heard of a salt mix being so low.

Other thoughts are possibly leaving your new water sit for too long. Apparently AF recommends using their brands within 48hours/5days respectively dependent upon which product you use. After this the minerals may/will precipitate out/bond together and there come your low readings.
If this is the case, put the AF aside for emergencies and use the RS Blue going forward.

Correct - 4.5dkh.
Thank you for the advice. I will have my LFS test my water.

[gregzz4]

Plz keep us updated

[gregzz4]

Update??

[marineman41]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Update??

I am getting my water tested this weekend. Will know more then.