HAGEN ALK (KH) test result

[conundrum]

I measured my ALK for the first time. My Hagen master test kit says ideal is 105-125 mg/l. I have searched the forums for ideal water paramiters and could only find values like 4.9-5.6 meg/l, or 10-12 dkh. The test called for #of drops x 10 for result. 16 drops would make it 160, seems kind of high. I have found a conversion table mg/l x 0.02 = meg/l. that would make it 3.2, that seems a little low. Could some kind person put me on the right track.
The kit is 2 year old. other tests are good,
SG-1.025
NO2-0
ammonia-0
PO4-0
PH-8.03
ORP-356
temp-77'F
55 gal fish/live rock, skimmer, no additives yet, up for 1 year,

 

[Kenzy]

I have found a conversion table mg/l x 0.02 = meg/l. that would make it 3.2, that seems a little low.

I think that should read 3.2 meq/l. millequivilents(it's 4AM and I can't spell right now) per litre. meq/l and dkh are the most common units used for measuring alk. 2.8x3.2meq/l= 8.96dkh.

It's been a long time since I used a Hagan kit so I'm a little fuzzy on what measuring units it uses, but if your conversion is right, then you are where you want to be for alk. Most shoot for 3-4 meq/l or 8.4-11.2dkh (plus or minus a wee bit).

 

[Kenzy]

Found another conversion chart here at OZReef: http://ozreef.org/reference/alkalinity_conversion.html

Hagen's idea of "ideal" is some what on the low side. Although it closer reflects Natural SeaWater, we tend to aim a bit higher.

 

[conundrum]

thanks kenzy,
the hagen booklet has a typo, drops x 10 gives me ppm x 0.02 = mg/l x 0.056 = dkh. of course... why didn't I see that ... stupid germans.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks kenzy,
the hagen booklet has a typo, drops x 10 gives me ppm x 0.02 = mg/l x 0.056 = dkh. of course... why didn't I see that ... stupid germans.

hehe-using a two year old kit is not much smarter :wink:

fwiw-i'd suggest you get a higher quality brand kit-either by salifert, hach, or lamotte-they're far more accurate :wink: