wrongs tests?

I have a basic test kit (pH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia) All those number stay pretty decent.

I have a pool test kit that I just noticed today has an Alkalinity test. It says that its results are measured in Calcium Carbonate/parts per million.

I dont have any corals yet, just FOWLR (but my new Nova Extreme T5 HO lights came in Saturday!!!) and I'd like to start adding coral.

This 'pool' test kit shows Alkalinity at over 1000/ppm of Calcium Carbonate. Can this possibly be right or am I testing apples with an orange sensor?

Also pH only about 7.8 this evening, its usually right about 8 to 8.1

Thanks!!!

 

Im not sure that you can use a pool Test kit for a SW tanks. Remember that pools deal with chorine(sp) and FW. Im not 100% sure but my common sense tells me no. Luna

 

Your pH can and will vary depending on your lighting schedule/time of day. It will drop a little when the lights go off, that's normal. You can buffer the pH up to 8.3, and I'd not buy a single coral until you have test kits, and supplements for Magnesium (epsom salt), Calcium, and Alkalinity/dkH. You can raise the alkalinity/dkH using Arm & Hammer baking soda (bicarbonates) and Borax 20 Mule Team laundry booster works as a pH buffer. Test your parameters, and don't over-dose. A good mix ratio is a 4:1, 4 parts baking soda and 1 part Borax.