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Unread 07/01/2007, 08:11 AM   #1
currentking
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KH too high

I tested it and it is at about 120, How do I lower it?


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Unread 07/01/2007, 11:25 AM   #2
dtaranath
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Is that number in mg/L (ppm) CaCO3? If so, then it's actually low. you want your alkalinity to be between 140-200, or 8-12 dkH.

Are you using Hagen test kits?


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Unread 07/01/2007, 11:44 AM   #3
currentking
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yes i am. it said to put 1 drop of solution each time till it turns color and I added 12.


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Unread 07/01/2007, 11:46 AM   #4
drummereef
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If that's in ppm CaCO3, then it's actually low. 7-11dkh, 2.5-4meq/L, or 125-196.4ppm CaCO3 are recommended values.

What test kit are you using?
What are you dosing to raise alkalinity?


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:05 PM   #5
dtaranath
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Quote:
Originally posted by currentking
yes i am. it said to put 1 drop of solution each time till it turns color and I added 12.
The problem with Hagen test kits is that the instructions tell you that above 125 "contact your reef aquarium specialist". That's misleading. As I said in the previous post, and mentioned in the post before this, you are too low. You should shoot for 17 drops, which will make your ppm 170, or 9.5-10.0 dkH.


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:06 PM   #6
currentking
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how would I raise it?


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:07 PM   #7
dtaranath
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there are a variety of alkalinity buffers on the market. Kent Tech CB is a good one.


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:07 PM   #8
currentking
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add more of the buffer a+b?


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:08 PM   #9
dtaranath
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yes


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:20 PM   #10
kevin2000
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Quote:
Originally posted by currentking
add more of the buffer a+b?
Commercial buffers are mostly bicarbonate (baking soda), carbonate (washing soda) and a little borate/boron (20 mule team borax).

You can use simple baking soda to increase your alkalinity level.

Heres a chemistry calculator that will help you determine how much you will need. Just make sure you use the actual water in the tank rather than the tank size.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html


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Unread 07/01/2007, 12:51 PM   #11
Lotus99
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I think the comment about "contact your aquarium dealer" is meant for freshwater. Even then, there's nothing necessarily wrong with that level in freshwater.


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Unread 07/01/2007, 02:30 PM   #12
dtaranath
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except that Hagen's KH test is specifically for saltwater, but they have a different GH test for freshwater.


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