Alkalinity

[Dtking]

someone please help me, i dont know how to fix this problem... i have a really high alkalinity reading, i have lost a shrimp, 4 crabs and 2 snails due to this problem, even know i am switching my 10 gal over to my 44, i need to know how to fix this problem in case it happens in my 44 gal tank.

I have PH buffer wich i was told that it would work, maybe i am doing it wrong?!... and i was also told that frequent water changes would work, well, it got worse when i did that!!!!!

please help,
Dustin

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

A pH buffer is probably making things worse. Ignore your pH at the moment and test your Alkalinity and Calcium. Most likely you will have a low Calcium and a high Alkalinity. This is a common result after overdosing with a pH buffer. Read here for more information on how to identify and fix your problem. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm Most likely you are in Zone 3. If this is true, you will have to use a Calcium Chloride in order to get your Calcium back in line. Products such as Kent's Turbo Calcium and the Calcium additive in Two-Part Dosing Solutions are Calcium Chloride. You can occassionally find Calcium Chloride at Hardware and Pool Stores. The Lowe's in Stillwater carries a DuPont pool chemical that is 94% Pure Calcium Chloride compared to the 77-80% Pure DowFlakes that Randy suggests using in his DIY Two Part Additive System

 

[Dtking]

thanks, unfortunately i just came home to a huge party, so i cant read the link you sent me yet, but if anyone else has any more info, please tell me how to fix this problem.... i am going nuts!!!!

Thanks again Travis

Dustin

 

[kpk]

Change a couple gallons of water and don't add anything...

 

[captbunzo]

I agree with Kyle. Change a couple gallons of water per day for the next week. Get the values stabilized.