Using Salifert kh/alkalinity test kit

[aravindk]

Anybody using the salifert test kit?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...SF1123~idCategory~FITKAL~category~Alkalinity_(KH)-Test_Kits-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

First I used the low resolutions mode. Started with 2ml tank water and stepped through the instructions. I got a reading of 0.65. As per the chart the dkh shows 5.8 and Alkalinity is 2.06. Since I used the low resolution mode, I have to multiply the results by 2. So the final dkh should be 11.6 and Alkalinity 4.12.

In another thread a gentleman suggested to dilute the sample to get an accurate reading. This time I decided to use the high resolution mode. For the 4 ml sample, I used 1 ml of tank water and 3 ml of RODI water. Went through the instructions and the reading 0.76. According to the table that accompanied the test kit, the kh value is 3.8. Since I diluted it 1:3, I multiplied 3.8 times 4 and got a value of 15.2.

With no dilution, I got 11.6. With dilution I got 15.2. What is the right way to use this test kit?

 

[aravindk]

Here is the correct link:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...SF1123~idCategory~FITKAL~category~Alkalinity_(KH)-Test_Kits-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

 

[aravindk]

sorry, here is the correct link:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~SF1123~idCategory~FITKAL~category~Alkalinity_(KH)-Test_Kits-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

 

[kfra]

i only use it in the low resolution way.
i'm not for sure i would think that you would multiply by 3 not 4.
that = 11.4 closer to your first test. lower resolution you dilute 2-1 and only multiply by two. you are not diluting 4-1 but 3-1 so multiply by 3.

 

[aravindk]

^^^. In the other thread it was suggested i should multiply it by 4. I had the same doubt too, not quite sure why. I guess it was a typo then.

 

[Billybeau1]

I have used the Salifert alkalinity kit for years.

I have only found it accurate when using the standard testing method. 4 ml water and 2 drops of indicator solution.

The other methods leave too much risk for additional test noise IMO.

 

[aravindk]

Since I am getting around 11 kh whether I dilute or not, I dont see any point in diluting the solution any more.

I have a related question. I am trying to dial in a Korallin Ca reactor. The document suggests I should aim for 25 dkh. I presume this is kh represented in degrees (dkh). So How do I convert from 11 kh to something in degrees?

 

[Billybeau1]

kh and dkh are the same thing.

Give this calcium reactor setup calculator a look.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

 

[aravindk]

Got it!

Also thanks for the link. Big help.

 

[Billybeau1]

:thumbsup: