KH test

[Nonfamous]

Okay, so what number am I looking at as a good number? I just tested via an ELOS test and mine appears to be 4. The solution just went from clear to barely yellow at 8 drops.

 

[Smitty]

A reading of 4meq/L is the same as 11.2 kh/dKH....kinda high, but anything between 7-12 dKH is ok.

 

[Nonfamous]

Okay, thanks. Another question, why should I be concerned with this number?

 

[Nonfamous]

Okay so I tested prior to my WC this morning. Normally I wait till after noon, but I needed to get all of this out of the way early today. My results were 10 drops or a reading of 5. Is this good or bad? I still don't understand the significance of this test. What are the high/low effects on:

Fish?
Zoas?
Mushrooms?
LPS?
General tank conditions?

 

[Smitty]

Here you go bro...go down to "why is alkalinity important".
Chemistry and the Aquarium: What is Alkalinity? — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog