8.5 on API kh kit ok?

[Mangodude]

All my sps polyps are out, but I know api isn't all that reliable on dkh, should I keep trying to raise the dkh or leave it where it is?

thank you!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

8.5 sounds good to me. That's where I keep mine at.

 

[tdb320reef]

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I always match the salt. I use Neomarine which is 7.5 and that is where I keep it. I am also running ULNS with Biopellets. 8.5 is good but the goal it to keep it consistent.

 

[dunc101]

Yep, consistency is the name of the game with SPS. I've found out the hard way by getting STN/RTN whenever I have had an ALK swing in the past.

 

[pusanpa]

IME the reading needs to be done before it turns green.
When the color is between blue and green, that is the correct reading.

 

[Mangodude]

Thank you,

and the vial turned green at 8, it was yellow at 9 so I just rounded to 8.5

 

[xfactor1315]

Yes

 

[trueblackpercula]

8.5 is great

 

[bobkill]

Bump 8 or so

 

[mattkroeker]

I had 15 on API kit. 15 drops to turn Blue into Yellow = (15 dKH)..

 

[Jamey1010]

15 is possible but pretty high, back a few years ago 12-15 was way more common, my tank does better 9 and up but some peoples do great at 7-8 just got to slowly experiment occasionally

 

[Arkayology]

You might want to consider getting a more reliable test kit eventually. Red Sea Pro and Salifert are good choices.

 

[Peter Eichler]

You might want to consider getting a more reliable test kit eventually. Red Sea Pro and Salifert are good choices.

I've neer had a more reliable test kit... I used to use Salifert and Lamotte until a faulty Salifery alkalinity kit almost wiped my tank out. At one point I had three Salifert test kits, all not expired, and all 3 read something different. API is very easy, very consistent, and when compared to Salifert seems to test closer to actual. I would suggest replacing the test vial and using a 5ml syringe to measure out your sample. The only reason I'd suggest another test kit is if someone needs more than .5 dKH resolution, which generally people don't unless trying to dial in a calcium reactor quickly.

 

[russeko8]

api

api

8.5 is good if consistant

 

[russeko8]

i recomend a hanna checker for alk easy to use repeatable

 

[Peter Eichler]

i recomend a hanna checker for alk easy to use repeatable

The API test kit is FAR easier to use and is also repeatable.

 

[galleon]

I agree with Peter 100% here. The API kit is simple, repeatable, and "drop splitting" in the form of reading the green to yellow titration endpoint gives you precision to 0.5 dKH. Alkalinity is one of the areas of reef chemistry where reproducibility and accuracy are far more important than precision.

It's also one of the most important parameters in an SPS reef to measure frequently, so the simpler the test and less expensive, the more likely this is to happen.

I use an API and I measure it daily.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Yep, I test at least a couple times a week. If I had a Checker I would test far less frequently. There's just no good reason to have anything more complicated than a single reagent titration kit, anything else is just overcomplicating matters. I also suggest API for calcium. However, the checker is great for PO4.

Lastly, for anyone that uses Elos, or is thinking about getting an Elos KH kit, I think you'll find the results and test method remarkably similar, yet considerably more expensive.