Salifert Alkalinity Test Kit - How To Use It - The Right Way

[@walterotiepka1460]

Great tip with getting to 8.5 in syringe I never knew that do calcium next

[@BillyPipes]

walter otiepka first come first served 👍 calcium is next.

[@claudineizampar6247]

Thanks for the video. I'm using salifert for the first time. I used Colombo for 1 year. Greetings from Brazil 👍

[@BillyPipes]

Just make sure to go by the new directions. They changed it a little bit since I made this video

[@NyteFryte]

I couldn't understand what I was reading about the air gap! You are a God send!

[@BillyPipes]

Just remember the directions have changed but the air gap stays the same

[@algawura2]

Great video Billy. I have been using this alk kit for for a long time 10+ years. I never look at the air bubble though as I find it does not really make a difference unless you get to the point where it gets close to the tip and if that's the case with the alk test then its really high. I think for the Calcium and Magnesium tests though that air bubble is critical in the 1ml syringe. I will definitely link this video when I talk about alk testing for my system.

[@BillyPipes]

AlexGs Aquarium hey. Thanks 👍

[@suellenlines6766]

THANK YOU!!! The instructions didn't make sense and watching this I was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you for sharing this!!

[@BillyPipes]

Just make sure the same amount of product like the drops is the same this is an older video and the directions might have changed

[@polishmami]

I wonder who your camera person is!! The skills are on point :)

[@BillyPipes]

Livvi K gotta do calcium test kit video tonight

[@channelchupathingee9195]

Thanks for the video this will help a lot of people who are starting out in the hobby as well as people like myself who have been in it for a while. Been using that same test kit and I just learned a few things that will help me a ton when testing my alkalinity

[@BillyPipes]

Channel Chupathingee awesome 👍👍

[@tinabloomfield7228]

I am so GLAD I watched this!!! I use red sea test kits, and have been wondering if I am doing the tests wrong. Its the titration!!! Now I know to make sure its at the 8.5 mark. Will do them again in a few days to see how it works

[@BillyPipes]

Tina Bloomfield not sure if the readings are the same with red Sea kits

[@tinabloomfield7228]

ok...thanks so much. It must be 8.0 because that's what I keep getting consistently

[@magro41]

Ive been using the red sea glass vial with the titration handle to do my salifert tests. Good results and it makes it alot easier to control both the swirling and adding reagents.

[@BillyPipes]

+Michael Magro good idea👍👍

[@williamwebb9725]

Thank you so much for the video! Really helped me make sense of this kit....thanks again!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍👍

[@thepassionreef]

Very well explained...Great Video Billy...PB will love this....

[@BillyPipes]

Ash 👍 yes she will lol

[@JCE8705]

thank you so much, just got all 3 of mine in and your videos helped so much :D

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍 just remember to double check the instructions on the mag or cal test. The amount of drops changed on one of them since i made these videos

[@royd63uk]

Thank goodness for this video, NOW i get it..subscribed

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍

[@JasonEKeane]

Learned something new! Thanks Billy!

[@BillyPipes]

No prob Jason 👍

[@AndreSouza-ei5bj]

Thx, 8.5 Help me a lot

[@DJ_LittlePea]

Ah okay I get you know .... thanks for the explanation Billy you did a perfect job 🤗🤗 looking forward to your next video now 🤗🤗🤗❣️

[@BillyPipes]

PsychedelicBabe 👍👍 hope it helped

[@georgevalenzuela2489]

Thanks! Been doing it wrong for so long!

[@BillyPipes]

Just check the steps on your kit...this is an old video. Instructions might have changed. But the air gap should still be the same

[@Deon0026yickadee]

Ayyyee just got mine and watching again step by step doc

[@BillyPipes]

Deon 0026 I don't understand what you mean

[@Deon0026yickadee]

Billy Pipes can you call me.? I have that same paper you have. How you don’t understand? Lol

[@BillyPipes]

Deon 0026 email me ur number. [e-mail]

[@reeftheseaforever]

Thanks always wondered if i was doing this right.

[@BillyPipes]

I love this kit. Been using it for years now👍

[@Byranthony1]

Good video very hard to work out from instructions

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you 👍

[@theresahunter6933]

Thanks Billy for this video

[@BillyPipes]

ms. resa 143 Hunter welcome 👍👍👍

[@AmericanReefing]

Great video Billy! Thanks for the info.

[@BillyPipes]

American Reefing you got it👍

[@Sylvania-Frenchies]

Great video brother and very straight forward 💪🏾

[@BillyPipes]

👍I love the salifert lineup

[@fishysnowman9082]

Very nice & informative video. 👍👍.

[@BillyPipes]

Fishy Snowman thanks buddy

[@SCReefer]

Great Video, I have the same one...Awesome test!!!!

[@BillyPipes]

SC Reefer yup👍👍

[@Threedog1963]

Thanks for the video. I would have never figured it out on my own. It's like Salifert made it over-complicated on purpose.

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped👍

[@BALD8BIL]

Great video keep the video's coming so it can help me out a lot more

[@BillyPipes]

BALD8BIL I will 👍👍

[@BALD8BIL]

I'm very new to saltwater I started in October with a 38 gallon aquarium and now I'm going to a 55 gallon aquarium and I can't drill my 55 gallon aquarium from petco so now I have to get a overflow box or Diy a overflow down to my Diy 20 gallon sump

[@BillyPipes]

+BALD8BIL why can't you drill it?

[@BALD8BIL]

It's all tempered glass

[@BALD8BIL]

My return pump is 1200 gph

[@deborahrandall9753]

I would like to see the reading on the syringe to see how you calculate it. Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

👍

[@loopylou7813]

Doesn’t matter if the bubble is at 7 or full completely , you read the plunger line ,as long as there is still reagent in the syringe to take a reading it will make zero difference , save yourself the headache of trying to get it to 8.5 .

[@BillyPipes]

Consistency is key. If you don't draw the same amount every time you'll have a different outcome every time. Unless you wanna make a video and prove me wrong😎

[@saltyjohns8687]

Thanks Billy!

[@BillyPipes]

The directions have changed a little since this video came out

[@NyteFryte]

Thank you!

[@brittybaby]

Thanks so much I was doing it so wrong

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped👍👍

[@brittybaby]

Billy Pipes have you done a video on dosing kh when and how much with out a dosing pump?

[@fernandovelasco4904]

Salifert new guide illustrates that the liquid reagent should be at 9.5 when the black plunger is set at 1.00

[@BillyPipes]

I emailed you

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Good info!

[@BillyPipes]

K-reef Aquarium hobby thanks 👍👍

[@EDKsurly]

I wish you made this video last year. :)

[@BillyPipes]

EDK ReefMeister lol

[@Deon0026yickadee]

I was thinking of doing the same thing man great day

[@Deon0026yickadee]

7.3 is good what do you use to raise the alkalinity

[@BillyPipes]

Don't not do it! I wanna watch it 👍

[@Deon0026yickadee]

Billy Pipes hehe my man!

[@fletcherwright4995]

I can't wait until you do another tank update

[@BillyPipes]

Fletcher Wright soon

[@mopar_shawn939]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Doesn't the directions tell you to hold the 1ml syringe up with pink nozzle facing up to read fluid level. Also the fluid that's left in the pink nozzle should be pulled back into the syringe so it's not sitting in the pink nozzle. Before getting a fluid reading right?

[@BillyPipes]

This is an old video. The directions might have changed

[@WCorbin182]

Great series “Billy’s how to”

[@BillyPipes]

DC Reefer heck yeah 👍👍👍

[@Davelembo]

It's the ICBilly test. Thanx Bud

[@BillyPipes]

Dave's Nano Tanks lol👍😁

[@ReefSpy]

Wise I am! -Yoda

[@BillyPipes]

ReefSpy lol. You give great advice

[@jerryebner7582]

mag is my vote

[@BillyPipes]

jerry ebner 👍 mag is coming soon

[@TFYFWYA]

this is very confusing for me that a salifert rep told you this, because on the printed instructions it says NOT to try to remove the air bubble. so....which is it??

[@BillyPipes]

The instructions have changed since I made this video. But the air bubble topic is the same. My videos show how my tank looks and it's all due to using this test kit

[@timibrother9]

Great vid again. My alk is at 15 how can I lower it?

[@BillyPipes]

ReefGod 15!!! What kitare you using? Are you dosing?

[@timibrother9]

Billy Pipes I think it’s the salt I use coral pro Salt which have high alk and I dose fusion 1&2

[@BillyPipes]

I would stop dosing til the all drops

[@timibrother9]

Billy Pipes ok thanks bud really appreciate it

[@austinbassin4420]

I have tried for 30 minutes and is always 8.1 every time so I dunno

[@Thomas.T8]

Great tutorial! Thanks man. What are your thoughts on the low resolution mode? Is it accurate and it also uses 1ml kh reagent like normal mode?

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you, ive never tried the lower mode. I always stuck with this method cause it works so well for me👍

[@Thomas.T8]

Just tested my alkalinity now with high and low resolution and got completely different results😐. Normal(high resolution) 7-7.3dkh Low resolution 7.6dkh What do you think😅

[@TheChemisch]

I'm so god damn confused. Why would you draw up 8.5ml but want the plunger at 10ml. Then read the test results from the plunger not the liquid level?? This just sounds like the most error prone way to go about things. Is this really what salifert recommends or is this just something someone told you to do?

[@BillyPipes]

It's what salifert showed me in person. It 1.0 and .85 ever since I've been doing it this way I haven't lost a single coral

[@mjslemmer7956]

After the color change, did you read the fluid line or plunger line @5:10

[@BillyPipes]

Plunger line👍

[@adrian.1983]

Great video thanks, I got 12.1-12.5 how can I lower it?

[@BillyPipes]

That's really high, what salt do you use? And what size tank?

[@alexcovert]

What made you choose the number .85 for intial fluid line?

[@BillyPipes]

A rep from salifert taught me

[@nmjhd1234]

Is the same with every salifert test kits (alk, calcium, mag, etc) where when you draw per the instruction to the 1.0 plunger mark, you have to make sure the fluid is at 8.5 or 0.85?

[@BillyPipes]

Yup, .85 for all of them. It make the results more consistent

[@ty12t2]

So this may be an older video but I can't seem to get a definitive answer, what does it mean after using the whole syringe, the color doesn't change at all?

[@BillyPipes]

Double check your instructions sheet. It has changed since i made this video

[@hassank352]

Why can you not stop after the purple colour? Would you have to keep adding till the water goes pink/red?

[@BillyPipes]

I just follow the directions

[@chrismarshall938]

When reading your dkh are you reading the fluid level or the plunger level... fluid level says 12dkh and plunger level says 9.3?

[@BillyPipes]

The fluid level

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

@@BillyPipes The instructions specifically say you should be reading the result from the end position of the plunger/piston, not the liquid. If you get the result from the liquid line you’ll get a very inaccurate reading.

[@bruce3579]

Will the pink water turn a different color if you've added to much?

[@BillyPipes]

I dont believe so

[@santuymen5688]

Why my plunger line is 1.1 to make the fluid 8.5? Is there something wrong?

[@BillyPipes]

You usually have to shot the fluid out and redraw it til it hits the right marks👍

[@fletcherwright4995]

Could you do both please

[@BillyPipes]

Fletcher Wright I definitely will 👍

[@parkerloves69]

how do you read it if you have to fill the saringe 2 times

[@BillyPipes]

I had to purge a tiny bit of air out to make it more accurate

[@conman20000]

Does this test kit work on freshwater, I used it and it came out to 13.4.

[@BillyPipes]

I dont know if it works for freshwater. But just make sure you read the instructions. They have changed since I filmed this video

[@reganbothma5435]

The new Salifert Kh test says measure at the back of the plunger . Any thoughts?

[@BillyPipes]

Mine doesn't say that. It's the same as this video. (Hold syringe with the tip facing upwards and read the upper end)

[@robertgeller2319]

Wondering how you came up with making sure it’s at .85 in the syringe I thought anywhere around .8 was fine. Every time I do this test regardless of it being at .8 or .85 I get a alkalinity of around 10.8 to 11.2 is that okay my tank is 2 months old and have soft corals

[@BillyPipes]

I was taught by a salifert representative. What salt do you use? That's a high alk

[@josephpuzzo1]

Billy I keep trying this I can't get 8.5 no matter what I do 8.2 is max it will Draw up... I tryed over and over again and I can't get passed 8.2..and why do you like dkh so Low 7.5? Sorry new to the dkh testing

[@BillyPipes]

I currently run 8.0dkh. sometimes you have to draw in the liquid then push it out quickly back into the bottle to push out some air

[@Faith-Hope-In-Jesus]

Why do you use 4 drops of KH-ind when it says only use 2 drops?

[@BillyPipes]

My directions say 4ml of tank water and 4 drops of solution

[@thehitmanisup]

So the more kh solution you use the higher your alk is?

[@BillyPipes]

You have to read your test kit. Mine was a little older and the directions have changed since this video

[@davidwinckley3063]

Do you calculate the fluid used or the fluid left in the syringe ?

[@BillyPipes]

David Winckley you use the bottom of the plunger to calculate. "The part of the plunger that starts at the 1.0 mark"

[@davidwinckley3063]

Billy Pipes thanks but if it's at .02 is that 20 on the chart or .80 ?

[@BillyPipes]

David Winckley I'm confused with that number. That's either really high or low. Can you send a picture to my email of the plunger? [e-mail]

[@davidwinckley3063]

It won't let me email you. Says the email address is wrong. [e-mail]

[@BillyPipes]

Oops sorry. [e-mail]

[@pekmekji]

What if the starting fluid is always at 9.0?

[@BillyPipes]

I test everyday and never had that happen. If it does happen then shake out the pink tip

[@hakman239]

Why 8.5 when instructions say 1

[@BillyPipes]

Watch the video again and listen carefully

[@Deon0026yickadee]

What is the ideal alkalinity

[@BillyPipes]

Deon 0026 7-9. But 7.5-8 is my sweet spot

[@canvoodoo]

Tried kit this was not fussed on it liked the Hanna much more.

[@BillyPipes]

canvoodoo Hanna is great but the price for doing 75-100 tests is not

[@canvoodoo]

Yep you got a point there.

[@somar11111]

Hallo I have 0.30 What I have to do? Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

After you pull in the solution push it back out with a little bit of force back into the bottle to shoot out a little air then redraw in the solution 👍

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Hi Billy, I've been using the salifert all test also. I just got a new kit and the amount of drops to put in from the small bottle has changed from 4 drops, (2drops for low resolution) to 2 drops (1 drop) for low resolution.Are my new directions wrong? How do I find out? Thanks. Melanie

[@BillyPipes]

Melanie Simpson that's weird. My kit is brand new and it says 4 drops.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Yeah, I don't know what to think.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Love your instructions...never had watched for the air bubble and the reagent at 8.5...I subscribed to your channel!

[@pamkonen8593]

My New kit also says 4 ml of water & 2 drops also...? So is it 2 or 4?

[@BillyPipes]

Pam Konen go by your directions. They might have changed the steps

[@ambervassallo123]

I using this test and it never turns pink does that mean my alkalinity is to high?? What should I do

[@BillyPipes]

You're using 4 ml of tank water and 4 drops of the solution?

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

What a Muppet it doesn't matter how big air gap is draw a full shringe then push the plunger down to make sure the agent is present in the tip till the plunger gets to the 1ml the add to test water if your air space is anywere near the pink tip your in trouble as per salifert instructions

[@BillyPipes]

Muppet?

[@glenvarza2111]

I tried for like 20 min last night i couldnt get it past 8.0....

[@BillyPipes]

You have to force the air bubble out

[@3zoz3zoz23]

Fresh water or marine water?

[@BillyPipes]

Saltwater

[@pamkonen8593]

I followed your instructions exactly...my test is 6.7 KH value/ so is this good? or bad?

[@BillyPipes]

Pam Konen you want to be between 7-9. I keep my tank 7.2-7.5

[@pamkonen8593]

Billy Pipes so how do I raise it?

[@BillyPipes]

Pam Konen water changes or 2 part dosing

[@vansaquaescape2514]

So I have done this test exactly like you said and exactly like the directions and I’m getting a reading of .46 which is an alkalinity of 8.3 but when I went to the local fish store and have them test my KH today they told me it was like a 6..... I’m lost on which one to use

[@BillyPipes]

I've done the same thing in the past and got the same kind of results you got. But my coral look awesome so I'm sticking with my salifert kit.

[@RaleyWeGrind]

4 drops or 2? The instructions say 2 drops

[@BillyPipes]

My kit says 4 drops for standard test and 2 drops for low end test.

[@austinbassin4420]

And maybe they have corrected by now

[@BillyPipes]

You have to draw in the solution then push it out and draw it in again. It takes a bit to get used to it but when you do you'll like the results 👍

[@nrshahwan]

Billy Pipes on the test kit leaflet . It does not say anything regarding 8.5 . Only the tip on 1

[@00Mass00]

My Ph is OK but KH is way to low.. pretty strange, but I'm not doing anything different then you.

[@BillyPipes]

00Mass00 are you using BRS 2 part? I don't check my pH

[@00Mass00]

No I check PH for my fish and it is easier to measure. PH was 8.3 KH is 6 or so. So I bought KH+ supplement (probably calcium bicorbonate) and will check it tomorrow after few minor doses. I have a 80L I only do waterchanges, no dosing

[@javierpeh5208]

Mine is always at 0.83

[@BillyPipes]

Consistent parameters

[@scottb911]

this kit sucks, 50 tries and I can only get the liquid in the syringe 8.2 to 8.3

[@BillyPipes]

The directions might be different now than in My video

[@karennation3580]

Nah! cant do it! Just dont have the patience! Plus I know I iwlll loose the chart!My hanna just had the vial leak that I forgot inside and now it isnt functioning! I am so tired of going through the test regents, but man is it quick! One step and done! No trying to figure out when the color change happens and trying to make sure you get exactly 8.5 plus 2 regents! I just dont get why if you are pulling it up to 1 ml that it isnt always at 8.5! The hanna is the same principle. You pull it up to 1 and there is a gap because of the extender on the tip. I never noticed it pulling out different amounts. Always seems to be consistent! I check alk so much like sometimes daily because my tank seems to fluxuate so much. I have dinos or something in my tank and it seems to use more alk when its worse. I was dosing 10 ml alk daily then I started blowing sand and rocks off daily and it got better so I noticed my alk climbing. It stayed good for a while and quit dosing and also quit blowing everything and it came back and started needing to dose again, now its getting better because I am back to blowing rocks off and alk climbed a whole point after not checking it a few days, so until I get this dinos figured out I have to check so much that its worth the xtra money!

[@BillyPipes]

Does the stuff you're blowing off the sand bed go away when the lights are out? And if you are getting that much build up you should add more powerheads to the tank.

[@SirPaulB]

Thats a wrong way to use it buddy. You got it wrong 🤦🏻

[@BillyPipes]

How so?