saving test kits, somethign about adding 1/2 and multiply 2x

ThaNgBOm321 · 06/09/2010, 11:58 PM

hello all,

I remember reading a while back on how to save $$ on test kits especially calk and alk kits. It was something like only using 2.5ml instead of 5ml of tank water and doing something. When you get the color change you just multiply by 2 to get your reading. Anyone know the specifics on this? I was testing my effluent alk and went up to 41 drops ( I was testing it to see if and how well the reactor was working). I'm trying to dial in my Ca/Rx and would like to be able to save some $$ along the way.

YzGyz

re_vogel · 06/10/2010, 04:15 AM

Yes, its 1/2 the water, 1/2 the reagents and multiple by two. It is a lower resolution test but if you are just checking the maintainence it should be fine.

ThaNgBOm321 · 06/10/2010, 11:32 AM

Is this method only for the calcium test since the alk test doesn't have a reagent? Let me try and clarify on what to do:

1, add 2.5 ml
2, add 2.5 ro/di ? or half the instructed reagent (if it has one?)
3, add the other solution until it changes color and x2 to get the rough reading

YzGyz

Randy Holmes-Farley · 06/10/2010, 12:43 PM

This works for calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity tests, although recognize that the answer is half as precise.

You need not add any Ro/DI, although you can if you want. For alkalinity, you add half the recommended tank water, half the dye (although the exact amount is unimportant) and then you'd use half as much titrant added to get to the color change.

ThaNgBOm321 · 06/10/2010, 01:20 PM

humm... i guess it doesn't work for api kalk test kits then. It only has one solution that you drip in the test tube. When the color changes you are done. I guess that is where my confusion came from.

YzGYz

Randy Holmes-Farley · 06/10/2010, 01:48 PM

That will work fine. They just incorporated the dye into the titrant.

ThaNgBOm321 · 06/10/2010, 07:02 PM

Thank you much RHF and all that chimed in.

YzGyz

Randy Holmes-Farley · 06/11/2010, 04:44 AM

Happy Reefing.

06/09/2010, 11:58 PM	#1
ThaNgBOm321 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tx, houston Posts: 792	saving test kits, somethign about adding 1/2 and multiply 2x hello all, I remember reading a while back on how to save $$ on test kits especially calk and alk kits. It was something like only using 2.5ml instead of 5ml of tank water and doing something. When you get the color change you just multiply by 2 to get your reading. Anyone know the specifics on this? I was testing my effluent alk and went up to 41 drops ( I was testing it to see if and how well the reactor was working). I'm trying to dial in my Ca/Rx and would like to be able to save some $$ along the way. YzGyz __________________ YzGyz = Wise Guys ohhh and cows go MOOO!!! 2nd best way is to learn from ones own mistakes but the best way to learn is from others... thx to Randy and so many other for making reefing that much easier

06/10/2010, 11:32 AM	#3
ThaNgBOm321 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tx, houston Posts: 792	Is this method only for the calcium test since the alk test doesn't have a reagent? Let me try and clarify on what to do: 1, add 2.5 ml 2, add 2.5 ro/di ? or half the instructed reagent (if it has one?) 3, add the other solution until it changes color and x2 to get the rough reading YzGyz __________________ YzGyz = Wise Guys ohhh and cows go MOOO!!! 2nd best way is to learn from ones own mistakes but the best way to learn is from others... thx to Randy and so many other for making reefing that much easier

06/10/2010, 12:43 PM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	This works for calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity tests, although recognize that the answer is half as precise. You need not add any Ro/DI, although you can if you want. For alkalinity, you add half the recommended tank water, half the dye (although the exact amount is unimportant) and then you'd use half as much titrant added to get to the color change. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

06/10/2010, 01:20 PM	#5
ThaNgBOm321 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tx, houston Posts: 792	humm... i guess it doesn't work for api kalk test kits then. It only has one solution that you drip in the test tube. When the color changes you are done. I guess that is where my confusion came from. YzGYz __________________ YzGyz = Wise Guys ohhh and cows go MOOO!!! 2nd best way is to learn from ones own mistakes but the best way to learn is from others... thx to Randy and so many other for making reefing that much easier

06/10/2010, 01:48 PM	#6
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	That will work fine. They just incorporated the dye into the titrant. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

06/10/2010, 04:15 AM	#2
re_vogel Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 262	Yes, its 1/2 the water, 1/2 the reagents and multiple by two. It is a lower resolution test but if you are just checking the maintainence it should be fine.

06/10/2010, 07:02 PM	#7
ThaNgBOm321 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tx, houston Posts: 792	Thank you much RHF and all that chimed in. YzGyz __________________ YzGyz = Wise Guys ohhh and cows go MOOO!!! 2nd best way is to learn from ones own mistakes but the best way to learn is from others... thx to Randy and so many other for making reefing that much easier

06/11/2010, 04:44 AM	#8
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Happy Reefing. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

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