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Tests
- Thread starter Renato
- Start date
OP
OP
Renato
Reef Addicted
I know its a stupid question but...
Kh and ALK are the same thing or are two separate tests?
vp6799
Non-member
It's the same thing, Some tests have it as KH and others have it as ALK. They give diff readings. The KH gives DKH reading and ALK gives MEQL reading.
vp6799
Non-member
I was told the DKH reading should be from 8-11. The MEQL should be from 2.8-4
If you get a kit with meql reading, you can convert it to the DKH by multiplying your meql reading by 2.8 EX: meql reading is 3.4, (3.4 x 2.8= 9.52 DKH).
That same formula also works for converting DKH to meql. The only diff is you divide the two instead of multiply
If you get a kit with meql reading, you can convert it to the DKH by multiplying your meql reading by 2.8 EX: meql reading is 3.4, (3.4 x 2.8= 9.52 DKH).
That same formula also works for converting DKH to meql. The only diff is you divide the two instead of multiply
The Ng Thing
Non-member
Only thing I would add to that list is salinity.
I think some may argue that pH isn't necessary as long as you test Alk because if your Alk is fine your pH will be too. I'd wait for others to add input about this.
I think some may argue that pH isn't necessary as long as you test Alk because if your Alk is fine your pH will be too. I'd wait for others to add input about this.
Last edited:
sutton6989
Non-member
+1 check salinity with refractometer
i test nitrate
phosphate
calcium
DKH
Mag
everything else gets replenished with weekly water changes depending on how stocked it is or going to be.
with different coral mayb test for iron but ive never tested or needed to test anything more that what i posted
i test nitrate
phosphate
calcium
DKH
Mag
everything else gets replenished with weekly water changes depending on how stocked it is or going to be.
with different coral mayb test for iron but ive never tested or needed to test anything more that what i posted
sutton6989
Non-member
sounds good.
A simple alk conversion calculator.
http://saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php
http://saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php
delta
Impatient Reefer
Alk stands for alkalinity
KH is in one way to read it as is meq/l
CA, Mg and Alk
salinity
temp
PH
Po4 - phosphate
No3 - nitrate
Some like to run Alk and CA on the high end example Alk 10Dkh CA450
Other like to run lower closer to NSW Alk 8Dkh and CA 400
I like to run mine closer to NSW as it leaves a smaller Alk drop should something go wrong and my Alk drops. i.e calcium reactor dies/clogs/runs out of CO2 etc.
An Alk drop in not good in any case, but a .5-1.5Dkh drop is better than a 2.5-3.5Dkh drop.
But many people have success on both ends and everywhere in between
Last edited:
jamesdong009
Anthony
I've gotten pretty lazy with my testing. When I do check nowadays, the first thing I check is the temp then salinity and then alkalinity. As long as those are fine and my tank looks good, I'm okay with it.
Alkalinty drops faster than calcium and much faster than magnesium so if I have a drastic change in alkalinity, I can assume there's a change in those as well.
FWIW, I have no clue what my pH is. Some people like to chase a good number but I never bothered.
Alkalinty drops faster than calcium and much faster than magnesium so if I have a drastic change in alkalinity, I can assume there's a change in those as well.
FWIW, I have no clue what my pH is. Some people like to chase a good number but I never bothered.
