This weeks dumb question.

[double2mk]

Sorry, I try to get at least one dumb question out of the way each week.
I know I have read these posts and links to other info on the matter, but can't seem to recall where I stored that memory. I thought I put it between childhood dodgeball and going to the mall, but couldnt find it anywhere.


Anyway,
So I want to know the difference between the Elos KH test kit and the Redsea ALK kit. Are they the same test ?

Elos KH - (On this test I get a 10)
Elos Aqua Test Kit - Carbonate Hardness (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Test Kits > Carbonate Hardness )

RedSea ALK - (This test I usually score a 2.5 when the above is an 8, today it is KH 10 and this test went to blue, which I think is 3.5)
Red Sea Alkalinity Pro Lab Test Kit (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Test Kits > Alkalinity (KH) Kits )


Anyone familiar with these tests ?
Are they the same test ?
What should the number be ?


I think the following tells me they are the same, just diffeent ways of messuring.

"Calcium alone cannot form the skeletal material of corals and allow calcareous algae to grow. Some other substances are needed as well. A few other constituents are carbonate and bicarbonate. These two substances also have a major impact on the stabilization of the pH in the proper range of 8.1 – 8.4. Such stabilization is also called buffering. The total carbonate and bicarbonate concentration is also called carbonate alkalinity or carbonate hardness. The only difference between alkalinity and carbonate hardness is a conversion factor. NSW has an alkalinity of approx. 2.7 meq/L or approx. 7.5 dKH when expressed as carbonate hardness. For a stable system the alkalinity or carbonate hardness should have a value similar to NSW or slightly higher and should preferably not fluctuate by more than 5%. This means a maximum fluctuation of 0.14 meq/L or 0.4 dKH. Therefore an alkalinity test kit should be capable in measuring in steps smaller than 0.14 meq/L. Conclusion: Since the major buffer components used for coral and calcareous algae growth are bicarbonate and carbonate, they should be added to correct any decrease in alkalinity or carbonate hardness. A proper formulated buffer should function in such a way that the corrective measures results in a long lasting effect and should not upset the pH of the system. The alkalinity or carbonate hardness should be kept as stable as possible requiring highly sensitive and accurate means for testing. The Salifert KH/Alk test is very straightforward. It measures in sufficient small steps of 0.1 meq/L or 0.3 dKH with a sharp color change. This makes detection of important yet small change possible. "

That said, shouldnt I only need one or the other test kit ?

\Confused again...

[Phayes]

That's correct, You only need one test kit or the other. And then from there, you can do the conversion. (I don't know the conversion factor).

[Phayes]

was able to find this conversion table for you.

For aquarium purposes, you can use the following conversion factors:
1 mEq/L = 2.8 dKh = 50.04 ppm CaCO3
1dKh = 17.9 ppm CaCO3
1 mEq/L = 50.04 ppm CaCO3


This is from this website for reference purposes. Alkalinity

[lunatik_69]

Same element, just different way of testing for it. Luna

[double2mk]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']H2O + CO2 <=> H2CO3 <=> H+ HCO3- <=> 2H+ + CO3 [/font]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Shrug, I knew I should have went to chem lab instead of out behind the park smoking... well lets just leave it at that.[/font]


[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Anyway, so if I use the Elos test kit, is it between 10 - 12 that I want to be at ? [/font]



[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Thanks as always [/font]

[lunatik_69]

Originally Posted by double2mk

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']H2O + CO2 <=> H2CO3 <=> H+ HCO3- <=> 2H+ + CO3 [/font]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Shrug, I knew I should have went to chem lab instead of out behind the park smoking... well lets just leave it at that.[/font]


[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Anyway, so if I use the Elos test kit, is it between 10 - 12 that I want to be at ? [/font]



[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Thanks as always [/font]

Thats fine, My last test was 11.8 Luna