Alkalinity level

[RedSoxReefer]

My alkalinity is at 88 ppm, what is the safe range, what is the ideal numbers that I should be shooting for and what are the effects of the low reading? Also, what types of buffers are the best to use to raise it up?


thanks, dan

[Billybeau1]

Good old Arm and Hammer baking soda dissolved in fresh water will raise your alkalinity safely.

This calculator tells how much to dose
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

That said, I would make sure the measurement is correct before making any adjustments.

Here is a table showing the safe range. I would target somewhere in the middle. This allows for test kit noise.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=226047&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500

[demonsp]

What is your PH. ? These 2 are linked. But 7 to 10 dKH is target.

[michaeldaly]

That is very low (4.9 dkh) you need to get it up to at least 7 (125ppm) for a reef tank

[WaterKeeper]

Dan,

This article (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php) has a table of nominal sea water ranges. This is one on Solving Alkalinity Problems (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm).