Salifert Alk test kit

[jcs11236]

okay so i just opened up my alk test kit and ran a test on my tank. my numbers are off. The test kit is reading my alk .10 higher. my alk is always 8.3 and now its reading a 9.3..(been using salifert alk) i did 3 test and all same results. i checked it with solution it comes to check if its accurate and its reading 8.3. the solution is suppose to read7.4. so is this test kit a bad batch. should i get rid of it.? or use it and just subtract .10 from my reading?

 

[Lenny718]

Are you putting the right amount of reagent in the syringe? You have to make sure the LOWER part of the piston is at the 1 ml mark. If you fill above the lower part of the piston it will give you a false reading which sounds like whats going on now.

 

[jcs11236]

yes-im doing it right. have been using these kits before.. :-/

 

[Lenny718]

yes-im doing it right. have been using these kits before.. :-/

Lol OK I wasn't sure. Could be a bad batch like you said. I would either return it or keep using it but just compensate the difference.

 

[DREUTZ]

When it says to draw the lower black part of the stopper to 1 the liquid level is at around .88. Is that normal and I shouldn't worry about it?

 

[Lenny718]

When it says to draw the lower black part of the stopper to 1 the liquid level is at around .88. Is that normal and I shouldn't worry about it?

That is completely normal. You have t o keep in mind the liquid that is in the extended tip, that's what makes it equal 1 ml

 

[Salty Dog]

I have had issues also with KH kits. Better to get another kit to make sure. I had an Elos kit that was reading 8 every time I tested and my corals where all bleaching so I cranked up my reactor and doesed B-Ionic and still 8. I took some water to my LFS to have them test it they came up with 12.7 - 3 times. I then switched to Salifert and have not had any issues with the testing. Only it is a PIA with the solution /seringe/ air gap. It always makes me think something is wrong.

 

[DrHarryLopez]

Funny thing about testing, why do we only worry when test kit results are off. Ever wonder if the test results given are false positive?

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Things that make you go hmmmmmm..... lol, guess thats why we RETEST!!