Alkalinity and calcium balance

[reef_doug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12904351#post12904351 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dutch06
I'm jumping in to seek some advice too.

I have been dosing SeaChem Reef Buffer and can't get my alk above 150ppm. I'm currently dosing 200ml a day of alk to attempt to raise my pH above 8.5 to battle a dinoflagellette problem. I have ceased dosing Calc to raise my alk. My alk tested last night at 140ppm after 5 days of this. My alk is going down but my pH is going up, 8.3 last night. I don't understand.

Would I be better off dosing the "baked" baking soda for a quick bump in pH? How can I sustain this pH increase temporarily while I fight the dino problem? Thank you for your help.

Problem with commercial pH buffers is many of them contain borate which the residual borate can screw up future alkalinity readings.

Boron in a Reef Tank (and its effect on pH buffering)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2002/chem.htm

I wouldn't use any pH buffer... rather find the low pH problem (photoperiod, CO2, circulation, etc). By the way pH of 8.0- 8.3 is good and I wouldn't worry about trying to tweak it.

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm


If you wish to elevate pH to fight Dinos, they will probably return once the pH normalizes.

Problem Dinoflagellates and pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-11/rhf/index.php

For making your own Calcium part, some people use the Kent Turbo Calcium Granules and follow the Anhydrous version in the recipe. The Kent product is actually mentioned in the recipe.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Good luck, hope this helps