alk and pH problems

[mikemdvm]

I'm trying to get my alkalinity and pH under control. My has been 7.7 to 8.08 my alkalinity is 12.4. How do I decrease my Alkalinity while raising my pH???

I have a 210 gallon tank with 30 gallon sump. Currently no fish due to ich or velvet.

I'm leaving it fishless for so just trying to get ieal parameters for my corals. mostly soft coral and LPS. a few pieces of SPS.

 

[mcgyvr]

My tip (and others will echo)...
Stop looking at PH and just focus on your alk...
Ph buffers will just raise your alk so avoid them like the plague..
Trying to mess with both is a losing battle..

muriatic acid (used VERY carefully) can be used to lower alk..
So can just changing salt brands BUT if you have just jacked up your alk because of using a PH buffer then just let it drop down by not using that buffer anymore..
Have you tested your freshly mixed salt to see what its alk is?
Typically you want to be in the 7-11dKH range..


So moral of story.. Throw PH buffer in the trash at the same time you throw the PH test kit in there
Your PH is TOTALLY fine as is..

 

[mikemdvm]

Ya should have mentioned I'm not adding anything. No buffer, no two part, no Ca reactor...

 

[Uncle99]

Like Mcgyvr points out, what is your Alk reading in your freshly mixed batch, you need to know where to start before doing anything more. Is it your salt? Is it your source water?
Corals will use up Alk in their calcification process along with calcium and magnisum so over time "they" will lower it for you.

Find out what makes it 12.4, the range is 8-12 so not that far out, maybe just a testing error, A lot of people like 9-10.

BTW, I agree, don't chase PH, but it's handy to know the value from time to time.....you don't want to get to far into the acidic side, or lower than 7.8 over the long term as this affects the speed in which Stoney corals calcify, slows it down...

 

[mcgyvr]

Ya should have mentioned I'm not adding anything. No buffer, no two part, no Ca reactor...

And thats fine (and even better as you have't fallen into the need to buffer trap)
Your saltmix just has a higher alk (reef crystals maybe?)
Thats done for a valid reason and thats to allow it to replenish or raise the alkalinity back to its "normal" level due to consumption.

Example: You may decide that you want your alk to be 11dKH.. Well during the course of 2 weeks your alk be reduced by consumption from corals,etc.. and may be now at 10dKH.. Having new water being at 12 may allow the water change to bring that back to 11.. but change it with 11 and you are only back to 10.5.. Then next time 10.. then next time 9.5,etc..
So it can make sense to use a salt with a higher alk when you aren't dosing to maintain it..

 

[Uncle99]

I don't trust dosing pumps so I reduce dosing by using RED SEA PRO which mixes up high on all three, and I do the 15-20% change, then "dosing" becomes more of an occasional adjustment process.

 

[mcgyvr]

I don't trust dosing pumps so I reduce dosing by using RED SEA PRO which mixes up high on all three, and I do the 15-20% change, then "dosing" becomes more of an occasional adjustment process.

That just means you don't have enough corals

I do trust dosing pumps (even use a Jebao one and have been for 3+ years now without fail) and I dose daily to maintain stable parameters..
Of course I also don't do water changes either so I have no choice but to dose..

 

[Uncle99]

That just means you don't have enough corals

I do trust dosing pumps (even use a Jebao one and have been for 3+ years now without fail) and I dose daily to maintain stable parameters..
Of course I also don't do water changes either so I have no choice but to dose..

LOL, man if I add any more corals, my boss (wife) is going to freak.
I keep sneaking frags into the DT though.

In truth, I would automate if I was not retired. Water changes, top ups, the only exercise I get these days.....but your point...well taken

 

[mcgyvr]

In truth, I would automate if I was not retired.

cheater...
retirement makes everything easier..
I'm counting the days.. (only about 13,000 left )

 

[Uncle99]

cheater...
retirement makes everything easier..
I'm counting the days.. (only about 13,000 left )

It does indeed!
First time in 25 years in the hobby everything finally worked.

Took me 36 years to get to this point....all worth it though...