Hello I am new to RC. I have a 150 gallon aquarium we are setting up. My problem is that we have our tank up and running and have the live sand in. My Ph level is great at 8.4,the problem is that the alkalinity is low. 0-1.6 range. Is this normal for a new aquarium? Do I need to do a water change or add buffer? Please help. Thaks
Alkalinty question
- Thread starter kdoud
- Start date
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Whether it is normal or not, you ought to keep it higher, say 2.5-4 meq/L. I'd look to a balanced calcium and alkalinity supplement for routine maintenance, but a short period of using buffers is probably Ok if the salt mix has normal to high calcium.
These may help:
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php
The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php
Whether it is normal or not, you ought to keep it higher, say 2.5-4 meq/L. I'd look to a balanced calcium and alkalinity supplement for routine maintenance, but a short period of using buffers is probably Ok if the salt mix has normal to high calcium.
These may help:
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php
The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php
The “How To†Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php
