Having a tough time keeping stable alk readings

[saltman1]

Hey all, just been trying to keep up the alk readings but have found I need ot add quite a bit of Kent DKH PH buffer to get it up in my 150 G reef. I am also adding turbo calcium weekly to keep the calcium level at 425. What are you all using to keep the alk level up?

 

[dots]

It may be because of the Turbo Ca, and buffer system you are using.

From my understanding:

These two products are used to get your levels of Alk and Ca within the target range. Basicly they are concentrated doses of both.

Because of the strong dosages your are using, you are constantly fighting a balance and stability problem.

There are a few ways to stabilze the two, please refer to the chemistry forum.

But to accuratly keep the levels in check you should switch to a reactor, or a two part such as B-ionic or Randy's.

How I equate the two parts for example to the turbo Ca and buffer additives, is that they are diluted so that the daily uptakes of Alk and Ca can be replaced accuratly. They are in a small enough dilution that we can adjust the doseage on a easier scale evenly. Hence, adding 70mls of two part a day compared to .07mls of the others. Though this may not be why you couldn't use a buffer and pure Ca to control them, I think it may be why, and is how I understand it.

Uptake of Ca and Alk is based on stocking load. It will vary as the stock uses it. Your tank may be using so much up that you may need to go to a reactor for your levels to be stable. Additions of replacements should be daily or constant

 

[Sk8r]

I'm using buffer in my autotopoff, which keeps other things more stable. Add cal about every 5 days. I test mg. every week---that doesn't change much, but when it drops nothing can be stablized.

 

[marcrothschild]

A calcium reactor will solve your problem. Now you have a great excuse to buy one