low alk?

[supernareg]

okay i tested alk, and it was low....
i'm guessing its causing my major problems (previously posted)

i'm assuming cause i was dosing too much Ca+3


how can i raise the alk? i havent dosed since the 15 gallon water change 2 days ago...


its like <1.3 from my test chart... but pH was at 8.2 ish... it was at the 8.2 color. using red sea's marine lab.

so i dropped in about 15 drops of the included buffer (then i read on the back its 5 drops per 60 gallon) dummy me, but i dont think it'll cause a problem.


guy at LFS said dosing too much calcium eats up alk, and i should turn off the lights, add buffer and wait a couple days before turning back on lights.


so today till thursday i'ma have the lights off, i added the buffer solution today.

how else can i raise my pH? my salinity was noral 1.023 (my hydrometer is pretty acurate then), nitrate, nitrate, ammonia are perfect.


anything else?

[supernareg]

wow no one?"

[reefmatenate]

first off your salinity is a lil low 1.025 is usually the norm for keeping corals

if you have no corals then there will be nothing to consume alk or calcium whether or not the lights are on will not make a difference I dont think the guy at your LFS knows what hes talking about.

try doing a water change and getting a more accurate test kit like salifert.

if your ph is at 8.2 its not low or high its perfect.....

if you need any other help check out randy's articles....

[drummereef]

Don't worry about the pH, it's a seperate issue and not dealt with the same as freshwater aquaria. A pH of 7.8-8.5 is acceptable. As for the alk, pH buffers are not a good long term solution. I would suggest looking into a 2-part additive to keep your calcium and alkalinity in balance. I use Randy's homeade 2-part which is great, and cheap to make. There are commercial products available also, like B-Ionic.

To raise alk, use plain Arm & Hammer baking soda. USE THE CALCULATOR before and after dosing.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html


Read these:
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php


:)

[supernareg]

thanks!!!