High KH/ALK

[SteveOhh]

Tank has been up & running for about 2 months.

Water parameters are as follows:

PH 7.8-8.0
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Calcium 420
Phosphate .25
KH 9.6/Alk 3.43

I know my PH is a little low, but my KH & Alk are both high. Are these ok or should I do something to raise the PH & lower the KH/Alk? Nothing in the tank appears to be suffering in any way, but I just want to avoid problems before they happen. Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[ReefLife1680]

You alk is high? Are you sure 9.6 is high? My KH is always arouind 10 too. I don't think you need to worry about that .. b.c if you do, that means I do too :/ ...

 

[turtlespd]

that is where most sps owners keep there parameters at, so if its good enough for them, im sure its good enough for you

 

[SteveOhh]

OK I was just going off the Salifert test that said ocean water had a KH of 8..................I will sleep better tonite.....

Is 7.8-8.0 ok on the PH or do I need to raise it a bit?? If I do, what is the best way to raise it??

Thanks Once Again,

Steve

 

[Kenfuzed]

Your alk/dkh look fine. I would be more worried about bringing your phosphate and ammonia down. If you are running a Ca reactor you might be getting a larger dose of CO2. You could improve your pH by gradually dosing some kalk.

This only applies to using a Ca reactor, you could slightly backing off on your CO2 (if using a reactor) down to the point where you can still maintain your Ca and Alk levels. I drip my reactor effluent where my skimmer draws in the overflow, and this seems to help blow off much of the unused CO2.

Another scenario (there are probably many others) could also be low pH top-off water. Some people buffer their top-off water with baking soda or kalk. I personally buffer my RO water before mixing my new salt water.