Hanna tester

[shipwreck]

So with my new tank I hadn't been worried about the parameters. I only have a few frags so new I wasn't using much calcium.

My hammer frag was big and expanded and all looked good. Over the last week it stopped expanding as much and today I got home and was doing some cleaning which made it close up so I could see it has started receding.  Thought it was time to pull out the new test kits.

Sailfirt calcium showed 380. Lower then I had expected.  I have I been using IO reef crystals.

Then got out the Hanna alk tester for its maiden voyage. It came back with 86 and then 96. 96 is only 5.3 dkh. This is way low which may explain the hammer. 

But my question is could this really be this low or could the Hanna be the problem?  I have a torch frag a maxima clam, some montis and a few little spa frags that all seem to be doing well.

If it really is this low whats the best suggestion to raise it? Baking soda or baked baking soda (baking powder)?

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Change the battery maybe? Do u have a drop kit test like red sea or something to compare to?

 

[shipwreck]

Hanna is brand new. Brand new battery. First two tests. Don't have any other kits.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

batteries can still be bad 

 

[Pistol]

It could be that low, could explain the coral stress, would get a second test kit and test again.

 

[Pistol]

Here is a link to a solution you can make to test your tester

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=38336

 

[Duke]

Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure. And  baked baking soda is the normal most used stuff. Why b t mix up a water change and test it for alk, if it's normal tour checker is probably good.. If it's low then it's either bad Salt or bad tester.

 

[shipwreck]

Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure.

It is after you bake out the co2

 

[Duke]

[quote author =Duke link=topic=8294.msg88187#msg88187 date=1396389359]
Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure.

It is after you bake out the co2
[/quote]

No its not.

 

[Duke]

[quote author=Duke link=topic=8294.msg88187#msg88187 date=1396389359]
Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure.

It is after you bake out the co2
[/quote]

sorry i was on my phone... baking powder contains a bit of baking soda... but its also a bunch of other things.. helps with the rising of baked goods. not sure why the rest of my reply wasnt showing.. if you mix up a batch of salt water and test it with the hanna.. you should have your answers about the tester.. if new water is low alk, its either a- bad salt or b - bad tester.. if it tests normal.. then your tank is just low on alk and dosing is needed.


taken from the internet:

"Most commercially available baking powders are made up of sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda) and one or more acid salts. Typical formulations (by weight) call for 30% sodium bicarbonate, 5-12% monocalcium phosphate, and 21-26% sodium aluminium sulfate. The last two ingredients are acidic: they combine with the sodium bicarbonate and water to produce the gaseous carbon dioxide. The use of two acidic components is the basis of the term "double acting." A classical acid that is also common is cream of tartar, a derivative of tartaric acid. Baking powders also include components to help with the consistency and stability of the mixture.[3]"

 

[unibob]

I can only assume this is the tester you got from me, when you do the test: fill both vials with tank water, then add reagent to the one, then do test 3 times with same 2 vials making sure no finger prints on vial. ( if you are doing this just disregard lol )

Yes the battery could be bad, from the time it is manufactured to when supplier gets,distributes,retailer sells can be awhile.

What is expiry on reagent? I remember checking I'm pretty sure.

If you have a new battery try this, do a test of new tank water and see what you get.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pistol]

[quote author=Duke link=topic=8294.msg88187#msg88187 date=1396389359]
Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure.

It is after you bake out the co2
[/quote]baking soda becomes soda ash when you bake it.

 

[Duke]

[quote author=shipwreck link=topic=8294.msg88189#msg88189 date=1396389537]

[quote author=Duke link=topic=8294.msg88187#msg88187 date=1396389359]
Baking powder is not baked baking soda I'm pretty sure.

It is after you bake out the co2
[/quote]baking soda becomes soda ash when you bake it.
[/quote]

yup, baking powder is a complete different thing.

 

[TORX]

This whole tread was getting confusing and not related to help in raising the Alk, removed the debate discussion, personal discussions and confusion. Your Alk is low, back on topic on helping to raise it.