Battling high Alkalinitys & high Ph

[billy73]

I,m running a 500g system and I,m using a GEO 1260 cal. reactor. I have been running this system for a couple of years and never had this problem until I upgraded my lighting to 4- 250w single ended bulbs, but I was running 4- 175w single ended bulbs. Nothing else has not change, I'm puzzled!!!!!! If anybody could help me understand this HIGH Alk. & PH. PH 8.6 to 8.7 & Alk. is of the scale? Elos test kits?


Thanks Billy

[sjames]

testing error?

are you seeing much abiotic precipitation on pumps and heaters?

In my experience things will start seizing up quick (in the case of pumps) at those levels.

heaters tend to get coated quickly as well, if they are operating at all.

[tmz]

Have your corals stopped growing? If so consumption is down while dosing is the same which would lead to increased levels.

[C. Schuhmacher]

Hi Billy

Could you write your complete water readings

Salinity
Calcium
Magnesium
dkH / meq
and the PH reading after 8 hours ligthing
Greets claude

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I'm inclined to think both may be testing error.

Check this thread about an elos alk test issue:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1420318

If the alkalinity really is high, it is easy to add less CO2 to the reactor to decrease the dissolution of the media. :)

As to the pH, how are you measuring it? pH does not normally get to 8.7 in reef tanks without any high pH additives.