Test Kits

[emm0909]

I rarely test my water because my levels always seem fine. A conversation yesterday led me to test when I got home from work last night and actually pay attention to my results. I never really thought about it but my Alk is above 15. I need to test some makeup water because I'm thinking that my test kit is bad.

I have a 75 gallon tank and do 32 gallon water changes every other week. Is there any reason for my alk to be this high?

Also, what test kits are people recomending these days because I need to switch brands I believe. $20 for a kit that is probably faulty is really obnoxious.

 

[Willistein]

I like Salifert and Red Sea. I would recommend the Red Sea kit that includes Alk, Ca, and Mg. I think it's called "Foundations Kit" or something like that.

Usually salt mix will not have super high Alk like that, so unless you're dosing like crazy, the 15dkH doesn't sound right.