Question for Bioguard 1200v test kit users

[tanstaafl2]

Finally got around to my first water change today. After refilling my tub I checked the water before adding any chemicals. Test strip says pH is low, maybe 6.8 but of course they are hard to read, and TA is low at about 40-50. Then I checked using the 1200v which confirms the TA of 40-50 but gets a HIGH pH of 8 or more. But when I do acid demand it instantly turns orange with a single drop. That doesn't seem to make any sense. Water temp is currently 75F but don't think that should make any difference.

Any suggestions? Should I believe the test strip or the test kit?

And can someone remind me which to adjust first, TA or pH?

Thanks!

[Anoroc]

I don't know much about test kits as I only  use aquachek test strips.

I beleive you will want to adjust your TA first as this will help stabilize PH.

[tanstaafl2]

Thanks, yes after some digging I confirmed that TA should be balanced first to minimize pH bounce.

Now if I only were confident what the pH was...

:-/

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

The reason it only takes one drop of acid demand titrant (#3, I believe) is because your alkalinity is low.  When you have a higher alkalinity, it will take more acid demand drops to change the color of the pH test.

[tanstaafl2]

The reason it only takes one drop of acid demand titrant (#3, I believe) is because your alkalinity is low.  When you have a higher alkalinity, it will take more acid demand drops to change the color of the pH test.

Ah! Well the TA should be up today after a bit of chemicals yesterday. Will see if this does the trick. Still not sure why the strip reads low pH but the drops read high pH. Will check that again too.