for all the chemists out there

[sanababit]

hello all, i have a couple of questions, first, i keep testing DKH on my water and it went from 9 to 6dkh, anyways is DKH the same as alkalinity?, what is exactly dkh??, and why is it going down and how can i get it up to a normal setting again????, i have like 8 diferent coral, xenia, GSP, candy cane coral, hammer coral, zoas, leather tree, and 2 others that i cant remembre the name, as of today my param are:

ammo=0ppm
trite=0ppm
trate=2ppm
po4=0
ca=400ppm
temp=78
ph=8.4
dkh=6
salinity=1.025

ps, since my tank is a mini reef, should i start testing for magnesium, copper, silicate, boron, oxigen.

thanks

sana:strooper:

 

[drummereef]

First, let me tell you I'm not a chemist. Just a student of chemistry. DKH is a measurement of alkalinity, just the same as meq/L. DKH is degrees of carbonate hardness (german). It is recommended that your DKH be between 7-11dkh. Very normal for your alkalinity to fall somewhat rapidly with the amount of corals you have in your tank. Many things in our tanks consume alkalinity. You can use Arm & Hammer baking soda to raise the alkalinity. Please use the calculator below to help in dosing.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html


In the future, it is recommended that you get on a calcium and alkalinity supplimentation regimen. Akalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium need to stay in balance, especially in a reef tank such as yours. I use a balance 2-part additive to keep my levels up and in balance. For the most part, all you need to test for is alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Here's a couple of good articles to read.

Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

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