My first KH Hardness test

[Bontrager]

Tanks been running for four months, no algae or diatoms ( cultured rock from Carib SEA, colored and infused with bacteria)

Two mushrooms, 1 Blastamoosa and three groups of small zoas.

Nothing seems to be growing but not dying either.

Nothing is placed higher than the middle of the tank

I have done six, 5 gallon water changes with Tropic Marin Salt.
Using an API KH test kit, I get a reading according with the only chart in the box of 161.1 which took 9 drops of solution to change the water in the vial to bright yellow. So it he water too hard/soft?

But what does 161.1 mean as far as the correct range for this tank. 45 gallon red sea max series E, all in one.

Haven't checked for Calcium or Magnesium

Hope this is clear.

Thank you

 

[AlSimmons]

I don't know what the 161.1 means, but if took 9 drops to get the water to go from blue to yellow then your KH/Alkalinity would be around 8, 8.5, which is good. Anywhere between 7-11 drops is really what you want.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[Rover88]

161.1 is your PPM.

The other number is your dKH.

You want to be between 7-11 dKH, which is the more commonly used number in terms of measuring alkalinity.

That range will vary for certain corals and by peoples pleasures. Your big goal is to make sure it doesn't plunge, and that you keep the alkalinity in the same area. It will be dependent on your salt mix, and how fast the corals you have consume the alkalinity.

Keep doing more tests over time, amidst regular water tests. When your dKH goes down to around 7 or so, and a water change can't bring it up to a regular amount, you know its time to start dosing to raise the alkalinity.

 

[mcgyvr]

161ppm = 9dKH = totally fine
https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/AlkConversion.php

 

[AlSimmons]

I can't find the directions for my API kit, but I don't think were supposed to count the first drop. From blue to yellow, not clear to blue to yellow. That's the way it was explained to me anyways. I usually shave off at least half a point when reading mine and haven't had any problems. It's probably not the most precise kit out there, but it does work.