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Water testing - potassium

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by beckerj3, Mar 27, 2014.

  1. Mar 27, 2014 #1
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,805
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +615 / 2 / -0

    Thought I'd share my results with water testing and potassium.


    Several weeks ago I sent a water testing sample to AWT. My test results came back that my potassium level was about 280. I ordered the Salifert test kit (it came yesterday), and also picked up some Potassion-P from Seascapes. Started some low dosing with the Potassion-P before the test kit came - (also dosed about a week ago with my Red Sea Colors B which is potassium) so I don't have a direct comparison with the Salifert test - as compared to the AWT test. But here are my results.


    Display tank: 400


    Cube: 360


    Frag tank: 380


    Make-up water: 350


    I added Potassion-P (based on the strength I had mixed up), to 1 gallon of my make-up water. The potassium jumped from 350-430.


    Based on that increase, I estimate that the potassium I added to my DT (from the Red Sea Colors B and the Potassion-P) was between 35-40 ppm.


    So, I think I've gotten fairly 'consistent' results using the Salifert test kit. But based on the 'additions' of potassium, my tank should only be about 280 + 40 = 320. Not 400. So don't know which is correct - but those of you that are thinking about dosing potassium, because it is a bit low, may want to think harder about it.


    I'd be interested in anyone else's experience with Potassium test kit - especially if you have also done the water testing with AWT.
     
  2. Jul 21, 2014 #2
    Pygmey Cedar Rapids, IA

    Pygmey Well-Known ReefKeeper

    751
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +119 / 1 / -0
    I am curious if there is any update here. Mine also came back with low potasium.. THanks
     
  3. Jul 21, 2014 #3
    hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
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    +131 / 0 / -0
    They don't say what test they use or developed for different parameters. There isn't really any reason to think they are any more accurate than the best test kits you can buy although they should be quite skilled in using those tests. In fact, there is no real reason to think they are better than hobby test kits IMO. So I wouldn't take the results too seriously. Even with very accurate tests there will be a range of values, do they provide the test range? For example phosphate is 0.03ppm plus or minus 0.01.

    I am not saying the service is bad, but don't take the numbers as absolute. It's an inexpensive water testing service. Unless your getting results from a certified lab ($50-$100 per sample for 1 parameter) I would just use it as a general number. As for potassium they seem to read many tanks as low. Potassium is a hard thing to test for in saltwater and it would be nice if they shared their testing methods for it.
     

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