Sera kH test kit problem needed help !

[PEPSI]

Hiz,
when i tested for my tank water is it supposed to turn blue first via green then finally become yellow as instructed?? But this is not so when i tested. The first drop already cause the water to be pale yellow then when i add to abt 4-5 drops it turn brighter yellow. Is there anything wrong with this test kit ? I can't see any blue or green ! Then i try to try with tap water, the result is roughy the same. Thankz

[PEPSI]

Sorry is <I try to test with tap water>

[wks]

It means your tank water's kH is zero. If you are not convinced, buy some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and mix with water. Then test again, you will be able to see the desired results.

[sherchoo]

Pepsi,
My tap water gives the same results too. That's because our S'pore water supply tends to be very soft. I often have to increase my tank water with Baking Soda (Sodium Bicabonate) with every water change.

Note: Increase a max of 2deg kH in 24 hours. To be safe, increase 1deg kH per 24 hours.

[PEPSI]

hiz sherchoo,
u mean if my kH is very low in my tank i would c yellow colour immediately after the first drop ? Then which colour should i recongize, pale yellow, bright yellow or dark yellow ? Cos it would turn from pale yellow to brighter yellow. Which one is more accurate ? Thankz

[sherchoo]

If it turns yellow on the first drop should mean kH is less than 1 deg kH. Lighter or darker yellow doesn't mean anything else. Up you kH as soon as possible. pH swings are highly possible in these conditions.

[PEPSI]

Is (bicarbonate of soda) known as (baking soda) also ??

Then how do much do i have to add to my 4ft around 280 litres to ensure that i only increase 1 kH per 24 hr ?

Do i have to incease my N03 also as it is now 0 ?

Thankz

[vinz]

PEPSI,

The info you need is in the Aquatic FAQ under the thread "using baking soda to increase KH".