alk problem

[JT3069]

im lookin for suggestions here
my alk is staying at 7 dkh
i have done a 5g water change every 2 days for a week still no change
any ideas?

 

[jwoyshnar]

Start adding baked baking soda in top off water. I had the same issue so now it's part of my routine and cheap too

 

[danil]

just keep in mind if your system has low phosphate and nitrate (undetectable with good checker/test) you better stay low in alk between 7-8dkh. I've learned my lesson. Since you do frequent WCs you can change your salt for one with higher alk and push your reading to 7.5.

 

[JT3069]

i do have detectable phosphates i can tell by algae growth every week or two when i have to change phosphate media i think rocks are still leaching

y do you say keep it low?

can baking soda be added to kalk i have a gravity feed ato with kalk in it

 

[harber79]

So you learned your lesson. What lesson would that be?

 

[JT3069]

i use instant ocean as of right now
cal 420-440
mag 1350
dkh 6-7

 

[danil]

STN+RTN. I dont know the 'mechanics' of it but if you have LNS or ULNS high Alk might kill your SPS. Something above 8.5 (was 9+ in my case) and you can suffer from RTN. Even LNS might have algae grow so you better check your phosphate with a checker.