alkalinity

[mrharris3]

Does anyone have any ideas how I can raise my alkalinity levels. Currently my Ca is at 390ppm, my ph is at 8.2 (trying to get it to 8.4), Salinity is between 1.025 - 1.026, and alkalinity seems to be above 300 which I know is high. I would like it to be around 200 - 300. Whats the best way to work this out. What other levels are best to be checking for? Also what is a better test for alkalinity? Do to funds lately I have been using a quick dip method for alkalinity and this could be the reason for the problems in the readings.

Glover

 

[cee]

Huh? Alk is usually measured in dKH, which ranges from 0-12, or meq/l with values in the single digits. Are you using a LaMotte kit (they measure in a not so common unit if I recall correctly)? I use the API kit, but the alkalinity test kits tend to be one of the easier ones to "get right" and hence many are sufficiently accurate.

Lowering your alkalinity can only be accomplished by waiting and not dosing.

Dave

 

[ct_vol]

When did you switch to API Dave???

Were you getting some unreliable results from LaMotte??? I've read a few people have...

 

[cee]

When I realized it was dirt cheap and reliable - I actually haven't used LaMottes in years. I never got bad results but never liked their Ca kit because it was difficult to read the end point of the titration.

Dave

 

[jettster]

what's the best way to raise alk since I switched to ro water mine is at 5 I have been dosing dt's that I got at frag swap for 2 days I went with 3 tsp for 58 daytwo 5 tsp and havent checked again yet

 

[cee]

I use baked baking soda and the online calculator.

 

[EvilMel]

baking soda works well and it's dirt cheap! so does Reef Builder (but it jacks up your magnesium too, so test for that and watch out).

 

[mrharris3]

The measurement is in KH ppm