Is this ok for dKH and PH?

VIVVIV · 04/24/2019, 06:49 PM

Hi.
My ph is 7.1 and dHk is 14.1. Do I need to do anything or just let it drop?
Also, I show O nitrites and nitrates but between .5 and .75 ammonia. But I hear that the API test kit I use often reads incorrect high NH3.

Thanks

bertoni · 04/24/2019, 07:22 PM

Do you mean 8.1 for pH?

I'd just let the dKH drop on its own. Just stop dosing any pH buffers. They all add alkalinity, despite any advertising claims.

I'd get a second opinion on the ammonia kit, if possible. Maybe a fish store will run a test for you? I agree that the kit might be the problem.

mcgyvr · 04/25/2019, 05:03 AM

Is your tank new and still cycling?
You should not be measuring ammonia levels like that unless it is or something is wrong.. (could be test kit inaccuracy too)

As stated 7.1 pH is low and likely incorrect..

14.1 dKH for the alk is on the high end of the scale but some salt mixes can be up there..
Typically 7-11dKH is the recommended range with most staying in the 8-9dKH range now..

I suggest you read this..
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

04/24/2019, 06:49 PM	#1
VIVVIV Registered Member. Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 37	Is this ok for dKH and PH? Hi. My ph is 7.1 and dHk is 14.1. Do I need to do anything or just let it drop? Also, I show O nitrites and nitrates but between .5 and .75 ammonia. But I hear that the API test kit I use often reads incorrect high NH3. Thanks

04/24/2019, 07:22 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Do you mean 8.1 for pH? I'd just let the dKH drop on its own. Just stop dosing any pH buffers. They all add alkalinity, despite any advertising claims. I'd get a second opinion on the ammonia kit, if possible. Maybe a fish store will run a test for you? I agree that the kit might be the problem. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

04/25/2019, 05:03 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Is your tank new and still cycling? You should not be measuring ammonia levels like that unless it is or something is wrong.. (could be test kit inaccuracy too) As stated 7.1 pH is low and likely incorrect.. 14.1 dKH for the alk is on the high end of the scale but some salt mixes can be up there.. Typically 7-11dKH is the recommended range with most staying in the 8-9dKH range now.. I suggest you read this.. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/ __________________ Who me?