What's a good Alkalinity test kit?

[rolyguy7]

Hello all,

I have been using the red sea alkalinity test kit for a few months now. What I do not like about this test kit is that it's readings are based on ranges. For example the normal range according to the kit is between 1.5 and 2.7 meq/l. From what I've researched it is recommended to have your aquarium running at 4 to 5 meq/l. Using this test it's difficult to tell if you're on the low end or the high end of that range. I purchased a new kit from my local Aquarium which seems to be more accurate. According to this kit my alkalinity is at 3 meq/l.

I have two questions. Is my alkalinity where it needs to be. If not, how can I raise it? I've been using ESV as a buffer but it seems that 3 meq/l is the highes it will go using this buffer. My water is filtered thru and RO/DI system and I perform 10% water changes every two weeks. I've tried performing water changes every week but doing so does not change my results. Also, is there a alkalinity test kit that is recommended?

Thanks all...

 

[rsw686]

The ocean is around 8dkh which is 2.8 meq/l. From what I've read you want between 3-4 meg/l. Better tests use the titration method where you could the number of drops until the water changes color.

Mine you divide by 2 to obtain meq/l, however it states you can also double the amount of water in the test tube and divide by 4 to obtain a more accurate reading. You might look into a test kit using this method.

 

[barbra]

Salifert makes such a test kit as rsw686 describes. It's affordable and easy to use.

 

[old salty]

I recommend Elos for your testing. The color change goes from blue to yellow, with really no in-between colors. No syringes with graduates and no charts required; 1 drop = 1dKH. About as simple as can be.

 

[barbra]

I have never had the pleasure of owning an Elos test kit....where do you get them from here in the US?

The salifert works the same way though, same color change and same measuring guidelines.

 

[drummereef]

I use Salifert for my alkalinity and all other tests. You should be targeting 2.5-4.0 meq/l or 7-11dkh for alkalinity. Remember calcium and magnesium also play a vital role along with alkalinity. So, pick up a Salifert test for those too.

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

 

[mg426]

Salifert gets my vote. RED SEA Test kits are about useless.

 

[ken6217]

Believe it or not, Tetra makes a very accurate alkalinity kit and it is real simple to use and read. I have a Marine Technical Concepts calcium reactor which is an excellent reactor and they told me to use this kit. I was using Lamotte which was a little more work. I get the same results with both, so now I just use the Tetra.
Ken

 

[rolyguy7]

I was thinking of purchasing a new kit instead of getting a single test kit for alkalinity. Has anyone tried the Instant Ocean Reef Master kits? Are they any good?

 

[rolyguy7]

Also I ran into Seachem Marine Basic Kit which appears to be pretty accurate according to reviews online. Anyone have any experience with this test kit?

thanks..