I need some advice please

[Chris918]

Hello,

My current alkalinity level is 7.5 dkH. Following Red Sea's coral colors program, I would like to maintain my alkalinity closer to 8.2 dKH. I'm aware that there is excess CO2 in my home which keeps the pH at about 7.8. Is there any issue with raising alkalinity this amount? I'm guessing I will have to be consistent with my dosing to keep it at this level?

Thank you

 

[ramseynb]

There shouldn't be an issue raising it to that amount slowly but honestly, I think you'll probably be fine at 7.5dKH. That's not very far off from where they say it needs to be and is about what natural sea water is.

 

[BrotherNature]

What are your Calcium & Magnesium levels at? 7.5 could be just fine IMO.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[Chris918]

My calcium is 430 ppm and my magnesium is at 1300 I believe. I wish my pH were higher, but after looking at so many options I think I've decided it's just not worth it to chase the 8.3.

 

[fijisrfr]

My calcium is 430 ppm and my magnesium is at 1300 I believe. I wish my pH were higher, but after looking at so many options I think I've decided it's just not worth it to chase the 8.3.

Not chasing PH is one of the smartest things you can do!


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[ajoe]

Not chasing PH is one of the smartest things you can do!


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Touche' ...as long as you maintain stability 7.5 will be just fine. If everyone looks and is acting happy don't mess with it.

 

[RobZilla04]

Doubtful that moving from 7.5 to 8.3 will drastically improve anything. IMO not worth the chase. Once consumption increases you'll need to increase frequency of water changes or dose to maintain 7.5.

Be sure to choose a salt mix that is close to your desired Alk, Cal, & Mag values. This will prevent chasing numbers constantly.

 

[nereefpat]

I agree that 7.5dKH is fine, and pH usually isn't worth worrying about.

But if you want to raise your alk to 8.3, go ahead and do it with baking soda. Here is a calculator. http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

I'm not sure of your tank volume. It looks like it will take about 8 grams (1.5 teaspoons) per 100 gallons. Mix it up in RO water, and add a little at a time throughout the day.