How to raise Alk?

Sheldon337

New member
I tested my alk for the first time due to a swinging Ph. The tank has a dkh of 6. How can i safely raise the alk without affecting the Ph which is at 8.2?

I have heard baking soda can be used, but that it has to be baked to remove moisture? Is this correct and if so, how to do i use it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Lee
 
I use a mixture of 6 parts baking soda to 1 part washing soda (2 cups baking and 1/3 cup washing) to raise my alk. 1 tsp of the mixture should raise 25 gallons of water by 1dKh.

As for the mixture, I don't dry the baking soda. Also, make sure the washing soda doesn't contain any surficants or fragrances.

As for affecting the pH, I add the stuff first thing in the morning when the levels are lowest.
 
What if the top-off water I am using has a dkh of 3?

Should i add baking soda to my top-off until i get to the desired alk level (10dkh) before adding it to my system?

Lee
 
What if the top-off water I am using has a dkh of 3?


Top off means fresh water to replace evaporation, right? If it does, I'd stop using it because that likely means it is tap water, and tap water could have problematic impurities:

Tap Water in Reef Aquaria
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2004/chem.htm

FWIW, water that evaporates has no alkalinity, so there is no reason that top off water should have any alkalinity unless that is the way you intend to supplement alkalinity to the tank when the tank needs it.
 
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