KH confusion

[tanyamikephil]

I originally bought an API test kit to include KH but was advised to buy the Salifert kit that tests for KH/ALK for more accurate results, so I did.

But here's the thing"¦the API test shows the KH as being low (107.4 ppm), whereas the Salifert test shows it as being within range (7.7 dKH)???

Can anyone tell me what I should go with please?

 

[almiller9]

First retest and see if you get the same results. Second I would go with the Salifert. API are not good tests.

 

[Sk8r]

7.7 is too low, and if it is falling, (which it can, rapidly) you can have critters in distress very soon. Bump it up a bit to 7.9. I prefer 8.3.

 

[CStrickland]

The salifert test is easy to overshoot the mark, especially the first few time you use it. It can take a beat to change color once enough drops are added, so if you keep dripping you'll overestimate the amount of reagent used. I'd redo both tests just to see what you get. The API test is fine for our purposes and and the price. I don't like to let my alk go below the ocean average of 7dkh, but it's better to catch it before it hits the danger zone.

 

[tanyamikephil]

ok so it seems that it would be a good idea for me to add some buffer and bump it up. Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Slightly higher alk levels don't cause any harm, but let it get down to 5.0dKH and corals can start to die off. I run mine between 8.0 and 9.0.

And I use both the API and Salifert. I use the API all the time because it's easy. Once in a blue moon I'll double check my results by doing the test again with the Salifert kit and I always get very, very close to the same result.

 

[Potatohead]

I just picked up the Hanna checker dKH the other day... The thing is flat out great. Highly recommend.

 

[Reef Frog]

The OP indicated an API reading in ppm. I haven't used the API alkalinity test in ages, but I remember it using the dKH scale. Can an alkalinity level be reliably expressed in parts per million?

 

[CStrickland]

The OP indicated an API reading in ppm. I haven't used the API alkalinity test in ages, but I remember it using the dKH scale. Can an alkalinity level be reliably expressed in parts per million?

Yep. The API kit comes with a chart
6 drops = 6 dkh = 107.4 ppm