Low KH/ALK

[JohnVH]

I just got a Salifert KH/ALK test kit my readings are
ALK in Meq/L=1.93
KH Value in dKH=5.4

These readings seem low to me what could I do to raise if they need to be raised
I am new to this test

All my other parameters are:
PH=8.0-8.1
Ammo=0
Nitrite=0
Nitrate=0-Trace
Phos=0-Trace
Mag=1200
SG=1.024

 

[little_fish]

What test kit are you using? That value is really low, but there are some test kits out there I just dont trust to give an accurate reading. I would test that value against another kit before working on dosing. You should also find out what your calcium is at

 

[JohnVH]

The test test kit I used was a Salifert kit, they are supposed to be the most accurate on the market.

 

[JohnVH]

My calcium is at 500 I had it tested by 3 different test kits API, Red Sea, and Salifert

 

[Dana42078]

I use baking soda to dose my kh. BRS has a calculator on their site I use quite frequent.

 

[little_fish]

Then i would consider looking into dosing to rise your alk, its a pretty common issue in the hobby

 

[Dana42078]

I've had the same issue....trust me low alk is no good. Don't bump it up to fast tho. There are dkh buffers out there that also work but baking soda is cheap! I forget if you said what salt your using....try testing your newly mixed water before you do your next water change to make sure your good water is where it should be.