HELP HELP HELP SERIOUS PROBLEM!!!!!

[Nano]

seeing as though I know my hydrometer is off by .003 cause it was just compared to a refractometer on wednesday, I made a mistake saying it was 1.023, I checked it 5 times and it reads 1.0215(so + .003=1.0245) so my actual salinity is 1.0245 so its just slightly low, but tomorrow I am going to have my hydrometer checked again as well as take a water sample for testing, and replace the bad alk test kit.
other then that my params
PARAMS
Salinity 1.0235---actually is 1.0245
CA 320-----accurate but bringing it up slowly
ph 8.1 accurate
Ammonia 0 ppm accurate
Alk/Kh 27???? WTF?--broken test kit
Phosphate less then .25---is this ok?
Nitrites 0 ppm---accurate
Nitrates 0 ppm---accurate

so all this being said, should I still hold off on my fish purchase if this is my actual parameters? or are they in fact ok?

[gregzz4]

Good to hear your SG is almost great
About your PO4...
Is yours a reef tank? If so, I understand you want no measurable phosphates
If it's a FOWLER you should be OK, but the phosphates may create algae
Plus, they will eventually build up in your rock and sand. Then you'll have fun getting rid of it

And as far as having your SG tested @ the LFS goes, unless they have a way to bring the water back up to your tank's temp, don't bother, but definately have your hydrometer tested again, and your other params too

I'd hold off on the fish until you find out where you truly are @ with your alkalinity

And not to harp on you but, buy a refractometer before you spend money on fish
Maybe you can find a used one here on the forums?

[Nano]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Good to hear your SG is almost great
About your PO4...
Is yours a reef tank? If so, I understand you want no measurable phosphates
If it's a FOWLER you should be OK, but the phosphates may create algae
Plus, they will eventually build up in your rock and sand. Then you'll have fun getting rid of it

And as far as having your SG tested @ the LFS goes, unless they have a way to bring the water back up to your tank's temp, don't bother, but definately have your hydrometer tested again, and your other params too

I'd hold off on the fish until you find out where you truly are @ with your alkalinity

And not to harp on you but, buy a refractometer before you spend money on fish
Maybe you can find a used one here on the forums?

thanks will do! I think my phosphates might be a bit measurable, because I'm due for a water change

[Madreefer]

Safe yourself some problems and probably some cash. Stop going to stores like that. Theres some good stores in Edmonton that are mentioned on this site often and are sponsors. Blue World Aquatic and Red Coral Aquarium. Never been to either but also have'nt seen any bad comments about them. Also try to get your hands on this book. It's a good one.
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/li...dcover%29.html

[Nano]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Safe yourself some problems and probably some cash. Stop going to stores like that. Theres some good stores in Edmonton that are mentioned on this site often and are sponsors. Blue World Aquatic and Red Coral Aquarium. Never been to either but also have'nt seen any bad comments about them. Also try to get your hands on this book. It's a good one.
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/li...dcover%29.html

yes these places I like alot better, more knowledgeable staff as well as better prices and no bull SHH.. also another great store is marine aquaria, not a huge selection, but again honest staff, and more knowledge. there is one guy there who has served me a few times, he wont try to push you to buy things, or tell you "It should be ok" just to make a sale. but I havent ever had a water test there.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Safe yourself some problems and probably some cash. Stop going to stores like that. Theres some good stores in Edmonton that are mentioned on this site often and are sponsors. Blue World Aquatic and Red Coral Aquarium

This is what I was getting at on page 1 when I asked if there were any true SW stores nearby you

[Nano]

ooops sorry my bad Hey I found a refractometer on kijiji in edmonton for $30 it looks like its in great shape, its a Sybon is this a good deal? its regular $59.95

[gregzz4]

As long as nothing is broken, scoop it up
Just make sure the sample lens is not scratched up
And check the focus on the eye socket
Good luck, it's a great deal
I've never seen a used one that cheap out here

[Nano]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

As long as nothing is broken, scoop it up
Just make sure the sample lens is not scratched up
And check the focus on the eye socket
Good luck, it's a great deal
I've never seen a used one that cheap out here

well there is a picture, lol but a pictures worth 1000 words, it looks pristine but as you said I have to actually look at it

[Myka]

Nanomano, I can tell by looking at your tank that the alkalinity is not at 27 dKH. I think you goofed on the test. Re-read the instructions from beginning to end, then test again following the steps one by one. The alkalinity kit is really easy, and the API alkalinity kit is actually quite a good one even though it is cheaper. The Salifert alkalinity kit will test 1-2 dKH higher than it actually is, so I don't like Salifert for alkalinity, but API and Elos are both good for alkalinity and will both give you a really similar reading.

IIRC, the API kit is 1 drop = 1 dKH. First it turns blue, then it turns yellow. When it is clear yellow you stop adding drops. Is that what you did? Did you have to add 27 drops to get it to turn yellow? I have a feeling that the dKH is half of that, and you goofed some weird calculation you did...?

The AragaMILK is essentially really, really fine aragonite sand and at saltwater pH values it will not dissolve. It doesn't really do anything at all.

Reef Crystals out of the bucket will be around 500 ppm calcium, 8 dKH, and mg I can't remember. Mix up a batch of saltwater (to 35 ppt or 1.025-6), let it mix with a powerhead for 24 hours. Double check salinity then test calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. This will tell you what the waterchange water is, which is important to know. Are you using tap water or RO or RO/DI?

Since you got your hydrometer calibrated, you can still use it will no issues. Just remember to re-calibrate it every 6 months.

From Wetaskiwin, Blue World is probably the closest "REAL" saltwater store to you. It is actually only a few blocks away from the Big Al's in the south end. Go there instead! Red Coral in the north end is good too, and Aquarium Illusions is up there too (more west of Red Coral), but I haven't talked much to the staff at AI so I can't vouch for them.