alk low, how to fix?
- Thread starter salttess
- Start date
DrBDC
Active member
Lime/kalk won't raise ca in relation to alk. It's best for maintaining levels as it is a balanced ca/alk supplement. i.e. if it raises alk, up goes the ca as well. Calcium isn't bad, I usually shoot for 420 but that alk, if correct, needs to be raised. Double check with another kit, LFS, or friends kit. Baking soda will raise the alk up and won't cost you an arm and hammer, I mean arm and leg. 
Here is a calculator you can use to find out the amount to use:
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html
And here is an article by Randy that explains how to keep from taking out a bank loan for your ca/alk supplementation:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
Here is a calculator you can use to find out the amount to use:
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html
And here is an article by Randy that explains how to keep from taking out a bank loan for your ca/alk supplementation:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
You can probably add the baking soda all at once after dissolving it in fresh water.
I'd try to keep the pH to a max of about 8.5, if possible. More aeration, less limewater, or vinegar in the limewater may help. This article has more info:
High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm
I'd try to keep the pH to a max of about 8.5, if possible. More aeration, less limewater, or vinegar in the limewater may help. This article has more info:
High pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.htm
I tested my water this morn....and the high ph will be no problem. It shows 8.6
If the pH is 8.6 in the AM, I'd be worried it will rise even more during the day.
If the pH is 8.6 in the AM, I'd be worried it will rise even more during the day.
:thumbsup:
good luck.
good luck.
salttess
New member
Had to do the vinegar....does this mean I have to add it to the limewater also, when I make a new batch? How long will the vinegar keep the ph down? The ph straight from the tap is 8.4 where I live. I do use a ro/di unit, but I assume it doesnt do anything to the ph. I havent checked the ro/di water, maybe I should. Tina
DrBDC
Active member
The pH reading could be anything from the ro/di unit since it doesn't have any buffers in it. You really can't go by that. How do you test your pH? If by a test kit, check with a pH meter. And if with a pH meter, check this article out and it may be the calibration solutions. I would hate to see you start messing with the pH only to develop problems when they may not exist.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.php
DrBDC
Active member
Here's a link to one. I know some people like red sea but I've only used it 2X, one recently with a phosphate and it was very very far off. Now did I get an expired test kit? I picked it up one day at Petsmart (boo hiss).
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=55_161&products_id=385
If you find it cheaper, send him an email on the contact me link on his page and he'll take care of you. He's going to have to start paying me for his advertising. But if you know someone it's hard not to recommend them especially if they'll price match/beat.
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=55_161&products_id=385
If you find it cheaper, send him an email on the contact me link on his page and he'll take care of you. He's going to have to start paying me for his advertising.
But if you know someone it's hard not to recommend them especially if they'll price match/beat.
DrBDC
Active member
Maybe take 2 samples by 2 different fish stores and have them test it. Come to a middle of the road number and keep that in mind when you test with yours. Do you have a local fish club that you belong to? You might be able to get someone close to come by or you go there to test it. And if you have a wish list, maybe get a controller unit like an AC3 which has a pH controller in them.
How long will the vinegar keep the ph down?
Just for the day. If the pH keeps running high due to limewater, then you'll need something done every day. More aeration, vinegar, soda water, etc.
Just for the day. If the pH keeps running high due to limewater, then you'll need something done every day. More aeration, vinegar, soda water, etc.
salttess
New member
In the article it states that you add 1ml per gal. in the sump to lower ph. If you add it to limewater then you add 45ml per gal. a whole lot more! Is that correct? So when I make up my new batch, I will know how much to add. The aeration or the vinegar didnt do much for the ph. Im not sure what to do now. The animals dont seem stressed. I will probably take a sample to the lfs and see if I have a bad test kit. The ph is and has been the deepest purple on the color chart. It probably hasnt budged because of the limewater, Im suspecting. Tina
If you add it to limewater then you add 45ml per gal.
45 ml per gallon of limewater, not tank water.
45 ml per gallon of limewater, not tank water.
