Alkalinity reminder: if that ain't right...
 

...various other things aren't. Check that weekly. 7.9 is the bottom of the range and 9 is the top end. I like to keep about 8.3. It's close to salinity in importance, and anytime things are unhappy, it's one of the first things you should check. Get yourself a test that renders a numerical result. Sorta-pinkish is not real helpful as a reading for this important parameter.

That sounds like some of the less-experienced employees at the LFS when I take a water sample for them to test; "well, it took 20 drops, so it's kinda low."

"Yeah, thanks for that."

:rolleyes:

Kevin

Thank you!! What test out there give numerical results?? I am in the sorta-pinky boat.

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Hanna Instruments.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/alkal...ine-water.html

+1
One of the best things I ever did for testing was get a hanna meter. So simple and easy it will be the one test you don't mind doing, and it will be the one test you do the most. So best to make it simple.

Also Salifert tests return numerical. Which is what I use. But Hanna is good and quicker.

But you have to read the pinky color first:)

yeah, thats the one I have and it is always a struggle to decide whether it is sorta-pinky enough or still sorta-purlply-pinky. :hmm5:

:headwally: :lol: :D

I'd have to argue that statement.. or request that you clarify the reasons you stated that vs potentially causing confusion when a newbie measures 10dKH and now starts freaking out..

One BIG reason being that the typical ocean value is 7dKH..
Also many salt mixes mix up way higher than 9..

In general whats commonly been recommended is 7-11dKH..
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php
Some salt mixes can be into the 12-13dKH range to help reinstate the desired alkalinity level due to consumption by corals,etc...

I am fully aware of why you stated that range.. I'm not sure that attempting to educate in a new user forum without clarification on why you have posted those numbers is the correct way to go about it though.

From my experience stability in parameters is more important than a specific number also..

It's not going to kill things if you're a bit off from the safe range, certainly not temporarily off: but in any 'safe' range, (considering your tank is not the ocean, and evaporates, and other differences) ---middle of the range is generally a good staying-spot for most any parameter. That gives you wiggle-room if, for instance, the real world takes your attention for a bit. You want to come back to a tank that hasn't gone extreme.