Alk & pH in two parts system

[wnaing]

Hi,

I am currently using SeaChem two parts products and thinking about swithching to your two parts system. I use Sea Reef Builder (a mixture of sodium bicarnonate and carbonate with major bicarbonate, I think) and Reef Buffer (a mixture of sodium bicarnonate and carbonate with major carbonate, I think). When I have been using about 50/50 mixture of these two products to have alk around 10 and pH around 8.2. When I use 100% reef buffer, pH become more than 8.4 when alk is 10.

My question is your basic solution to increase alk and pH is 100% sodium carbonate which has pH of more than 11 (while sodium bicarbonate pH is 8.3). If I were to use your two parts system, is it not the pH in my tank will be higher than 8.3 if I use carbonate only? What is the typical pH when alk reach around 10 if I use your two part systems? Thanks.

Regards,

wnaing

[wnaing]

No answers????

[Snarkys]

Sorry about the delay, best way to contact us is via email or phone : )
The effect bicarbonate and carbonate has on the PH of the tank is temporary and largely an effect of how they interact with the carbon dioxide in the tank. The effect will slowly dissipate as the gases in the tank stabilize with the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the room.
The reason the two part additive is 100% carbonate is it is dosed on a daily basis in small amounts so the elevating effect it has is desirable to most aquarists. You can certainly mix the two to create whatever ratio you are looking for.
Keep in mind that in a reef tank the main reason we test for alkalinity is to measure and maintain carbonate levels since the corals consume the carbonate to build their skeletal structure. Corals are fully capable if using carbonate in the bicarbonate form by removing the H+.
PH is a function of how many H+ ‘s are in a solution and not completely tied to carbonate or other alkalinity buffers.