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Thread: Running low KH

  1. #1

    Running low KH

    Can anyone recommend a devise for testing KH at low levels? Currently running the pond at around 2.5ppm but I would like a more exact reading.
    Using the Nutrafin test but the water sample turns yellow after the second drop is added to 10ml of sample.



  2. #2
    I use my Palintest 7100 for everything (except chlorine) including KH. Slightly overkill for KH only though


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  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by JohnKitching View Post
    I use my Palintest 7100 for everything (except chlorine) including KH. Slightly overkill for KH only though


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    Ok thanks John your right they are a bit expensive, I would have to start up my own business to justify the cost

  4. #4
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion Davej's Avatar
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    Hi Keith

    For me you are running rather too skinny.. I certainly find the pivot point where Nitrite starts becoming an issue is between 30 and 40ppm KH wise and would prefer to be able to run at this, feed at will and maintain Nitrite of .05 to .08 rather than run lower on the KH and have to limit feed or run higher Nitrite .

    Dave

  5. #5
    Keith,

    I agree that a low KH isn't wise unless you have the time or automatic equipment to maintain that level safely.

    If you want more accuracy with a manual KH (or GH) test kit then simply increase the sample volume.

    Twice the volume stated in the instructions will mean that it will take two drops per degree KH e.g. first drop = 0.5 KH; second = 1 KH; third = 1.5 KH and so on.

    Four times the sample size means each drop is 0.25 KH. And, if you really want accuracy, you can use ten times the sample size and go up in steps of 0.1 KH.

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  7. #6
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion Davej's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Manky Sanke View Post
    Keith,

    I agree that a low KH isn't wise unless you have the time or automatic equipment to maintain that level safely.

    If you want more accuracy with a manual KH (or GH) test kit then simply increase the sample volume.

    Twice the volume stated in the instructions will mean that it will take two drops per degree KH e.g. first drop = 0.5 KH; second = 1 KH; third = 1.5 KH and so on.

    Four times the sample size means each drop is 0.25 KH. And, if you really want accuracy, you can use ten times the sample size and go up in steps of 0.1 KH.
    Think that Keith is already doubling the sample size if he is using 10ml on a Nutrafin..

    I've found it difficult to go further ie to 20ml and certainly to 40ml as the intensity of the colour is pretty difficult to judge, even looking down the tube.

    But really splitting hairs as the odd ppm can evaporate within a few hours..

    Dave

  8. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Davej View Post
    Hi Keith

    For me you are running rather too skinny.. I certainly find the pivot point where Nitrite starts becoming an issue is between 30 and 40ppm KH wise and would prefer to be able to run at this, feed at will and maintain Nitrite of .05 to .08 rather than run lower on the KH and have to limit feed or run higher Nitrite .

    Dave
    Hi Dave,

    I do double up on the sample, after the first drop it turns a lime colour then after the second drop its yellow.
    My Nitrite is 0.1 using the Nutrafin test.
    I have been reducing the bi-carb dose the last couple of weeks to lower the PH I found with a KH of 20ppm gave me a PH of 7.6 but now with a much lower KH my PH is 7.2.
    The koi appear to have a greater appetite at a lower PH.
    I realize the KH is getting a bit on the skinny side so I will increase the bi-carb dose gradually keeping a close eye on PH/Nitrite.

  9. #8
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion Davej's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by keithatrax View Post
    Hi Dave,

    I do double up on the sample, after the first drop it turns a lime colour then after the second drop its yellow.
    My Nitrite is 0.1 using the Nutrafin test.
    I have been reducing the bi-carb dose the last couple of weeks to lower the PH I found with a KH of 20ppm gave me a PH of 7.6 but now with a much lower KH my PH is 7.2.
    The koi appear to have a greater appetite at a lower PH.
    I realize the KH is getting a bit on the skinny side so I will increase the bi-carb dose gradually keeping a close eye on PH/Nitrite.
    Interesting data Keith, how much load have you on the filters in terms of stock and feed?

    Dave

  10. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Davej View Post
    Interesting data Keith, how much load have you on the filters in terms of stock and feed?

    Dave
    Not a lot Dave, 10 koi in 18000ltr currently feeding 220grm/day changing 6% water/day.

  11. #10
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion Davej's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by keithatrax View Post
    Not a lot Dave, 10 koi in 18000ltr currently feeding 220grm/day changing 6% water/day.
    That explains a lot, particularly how much more difficult we make things for ourselves by overstocking

    Dave

  12. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Davej View Post
    That explains a lot, particularly how much more difficult we make things for ourselves by overstocking

    Dave
    Yes I prefer the easy approach

  13. #12
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Gosai Ryda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnKitching View Post
    I use my Palintest 7100 for everything (except chlorine) including KH. Slightly overkill for KH only though


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    I think I just paled when I looked up the price

  14. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Ryda View Post
    I think I just paled when I looked up the price

    Ah but .... Look on eBay, they come up regularly at a fraction of the normal price. The same person has been selling them for years. Lots of people have bought them and without any problems I've heard of. Whether they bought a job lot of bankrupt stock or they get them cheap from PalinTest I have no idea.


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