How to raise only Alkalinity

[ReefWhatYouSow]

So I have to admit I don't test my water as much as I should and I had planned to start dosing as I want to add a clam in the future and see more growth now.

To add... I don't fully understand dosing and that's also after reading numerous articles and watching videos. I understand what we are trying to accomplish but I don't understand how to set up the Doser I reach that balance without dosing too much.

Well, I consistently get very different readings for calcium using three test kits so I took my water in to get tested and these are my readings:

Alkalinity- 100.24
Calcium- 440

Nitrates- 0
Phosphates- 0 (which is false cause my algae is gobbling that up)

These readings are from not doing a water change for two weeks and I'm using reef crystals instant ocean.

From my understanding... If you dose for alkalinity then your calcium would come down. So if I start dosing for alkalinity to and it gets to an ideal range, then the calcium will drop. Do I then start dosing for calcium as well but just less than in dosing on the alkalinity side?

 

[snulma1]

Are you sure they didnt test your SALUNITY and say it was 1.024?
Im not sure how your alk could be 100.24

 

[billdogg]

Are you sure they didnt test your SALUNITY and say it was 1.024?
Im not sure how your alk could be 100.24

Well, I sorta agree - but I'm guessing SALINITY, not too sure what SALUNITY is!:hmm4::spin3::hmm3:

You can raise the Alkalinity using the Alk portion of BRS two-part additives or the equivalent

Another question - what about Magnesium? if it is off, it can be close to impossible to get either Ca or Alk in range.

 

[disc1]

From my understanding... If you dose for alkalinity then your calcium would come down. So if I start dosing for alkalinity to and it gets to an ideal range, then the calcium will drop. Do I then start dosing for calcium as well but just less than in dosing on the alkalinity side?

No, just adding alkalinity does not magically make calcium decrease. That would only happen if you add way to much alkalinity and get the combination of calcium and alkalinity above the solubility limit.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

How to raise only Alkalinity

Are you sure they didnt test your SALUNITY and say it was 1.024?
Im not sure how your alk could be 100.24

My salinity was a little high at 1.027
But I may be lying about my alkalinity. They measured it in dkh and I tried to convert it. I believe it was 5.5 dkh.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

I do need to raise my alkalinity right?

And if I'm going to use a Doser how do I know by how much?

 

[billdogg]

BRS has a calculator on their website!

 

[Galaxyreef]

Check mag first. You cannot maintain alk and ca if mag is low. Dose 2 part to maintain alk and ca. Monitor your calcium while you SLOWLY raise your alk.

 

[tmz]

Yes, the alkalinity is low. 100ppm is about 5.6 dkh.The recommended range is 7 to 11 dkh. Check the calculator and add some baking soda or baked baking soda to raise it now more than 1 dkh per day. It will not drop the calcium as David noted

 

[doradosteve]

BRS has a calculator on their website!

Great resource. Thanks!

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Thanks everyone. Some great knowledge here!

I will definitely check the magnesium. I'm guessing that as long as it is within the range where it should be I can focus on the calcium and alkalinity from there?

 

[theatrus]

Thanks everyone. Some great knowledge here!

I will definitely check the magnesium. I'm guessing that as long as it is within the range where it should be I can focus on the calcium and alkalinity from there?

Yup!

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Yup!

Thanks!

 

[gottalikesharks]

If Magnesium and pH are good would it be ok to use seachem Marine Buffer?

 

[tmz]

Yes.