Horrible Low Alkalinity

[quixand]

Currently having an issue with Alkalinity in my 15g nano.

Have a total of 20+g of volume with a 10g sump.

Alkalinity is reading 0-1.6 meq/l
Nitrates <5
Nitrites 0
PH 8.3 throughout 24 hr period with opposite light cycle chaeto fuge.
Calc 450 PPM
Ammonia 0
SG 1.025

Fresh sea mix is also testing a 0-1.6 meq/l
How can I raise the Alk without raising the Ph?

[Tc269]

I would assume your test kit is off cause that doesnt sound right at all.

[smorrow5773]

What salt mix, I just bought a new bag of salt and am getting an extremely low dkh upon mixing as well.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If the alkalinity is really that low, baking soda will raise the alkalinity and not the pH. This calculator shows how much you'd need:

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

[quixand]

Tc, tested with Red Sea Alk, and LFS confirmed.

I'm using http://www.petco.com/product/101391/Aquatic-Gardens-Premium-Marine-Salt-Mix.aspx

I've got so much left given to me by a buddy. Just trying to use it all.

Randy...I was looking into this. I'm working on a diy drip for this...and once I get it to where I want it, planned on dripping Kalkwasser to keep it on track.
( Found the Mrs. Maggies Pickling Lime at walmart, and stocked up )

Over how long of a period is good to drip baking soda water?
I'm going to need to go up about 7 dKh.
48 hrs?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The baking soda can be added pretty much at once, say half one day and half the next for a big boost. Dripping limewater, however, is much more important. :)