Nitrates and ALK need some answers!!!

phiberop840 · 02-11-2007, 11:03 AM

Hello all,

OK Here is my test results. What should I do?

Salifert Nitrate test = 60ppm
Dipstick Nitrate = Okay Range (20ppm)
Aquarium Pharm. = 0ppm, such a strong Yellow i would think i had negative ppm.

What test to I believe?? This is in a BC 29, I have removed my Bio Balls for a skimmer and I am debabting putting some in the return chamber? Any suggestions.

Now for the ALK.

Salifert Alk test = Titrator reading is .28 which is a Dkh of 11.5 and a meq/L of 4.11. I would think that is to high. But I wonder at what point am i suppose to take that reading.

1. when the solution turns pink for a second or 2 then back to blue, or,
2. When the solution turns pink and stays pink?

Tap water = dKH of .3 and meq/L of .11. So how would one bring the alk down to normal? I took my reading when the solution turned a full pink color.

Thanks
Mike

phiberop840 · 02-11-2007, 11:26 AM

Ok nevermind on the nitrate test. I was reading it through the side of the tube and not from the top, when you read from the side you have to divide by 10 and that would be your real result.

As far as the ALK test Im not sure what to do there.

Mike

Mike O'Brien · 02-11-2007, 11:29 AM

What salt are you using ? IO for instance comes through with an alkalinity around yours. And have you been adding any buffers to the tank ? That's really not that high though, and it will fall on it own in a short time.

phiberop840 · 02-11-2007, 11:47 AM

I am using reef Crystals. I am not to sure that I like it though. May switch after this batch.

Mike

Mike O'Brien · 02-11-2007, 11:50 AM

Reef crystals is a fine salt. What don't you like about it?

I honestly feel the bast thing to do is pick one of the popular brands of salt and just stick with it. There are more important things to worry about than the brand of the salt you use.

hawks · 02-11-2007, 01:00 PM

Are you using tap water? That might be part of the cause for the higher nitrate problem. You should be using RO/DI water.

Brian

DevilBoy · 02-11-2007, 01:37 PM

On the salifert alk test read the reading when the liquid turns to pink and stays that color

phiberop840 · 02-11-2007, 04:41 PM

Cool that what I do when its pink I take the reading. I am using RODI water that comes out at about 2-3ppm. As far as that salt I get alot of non dissolved material. Not sure if that is normal but I never had that with IO. Not to worried about it.

Mike

Wiskey · 02-11-2007, 06:47 PM

I wouldn't mess with lowering the Alk honistally,... I would have your salinity double checked though because I bet it's a bit on the high side. Those swing arm things are not accurate, if that's what your using.

The nitrate it sounds like you are at 6PPM, which is fine.

I also very much agree with finding a salt and just sticking with it. I use IO.

Whiskey

phiberop840 · 02-11-2007, 07:31 PM

Well I Have just purchased a Refractometer and a nice one at that. I have noticed that my digital meter and my Hydro meters were reading 1.023-1.024 and then i tested it with the refrato, and it was 1.030...whoa....what a difference. So since then I have been lowering my Salinity slowly and have it currently at 1.026. One more water change and I should be able to get it to where i want it.

mike