Low Alkalinity

T

tanyamikephil

New member
My alkalinity has dropped down to 6.7. Adding a buffer could fix this but I've already learned that using buffers messes with a bunch of other stuff so i don't want to do that.

I also suspect this is why my branched frogspawn and some of my zoanthids have closed up.

Can anyone give me suggestions how to raise the level back up without using buffers please?
 
Ok when it comes to Alk and calcium levels that are weird, usually that points to Magnesium levels being low...Alk and calcium cannot be maintained at high levels if Magnesium is low.

Can you give us your measurements for ALK, Calcium and Mag?

Target for Magnesium is 1250-1350, if you're not in this range then you won't be able to raise the Alk for long.
 
Okay, so first I would raise your magnesium to 1350, then raise your alkalinity to at least 8.0 and then your calcium to 425. You can use baking soda (bake the baking soda at 350 degrees for an hour before you use it if your pH is 8.1 or lower, use it as is if your pH is 8.2 or above) mixed in ro/di water to raise your alkalinity.
 
thegrun said:
Okay, so first I would raise your magnesium to 1350, then raise your alkalinity to at least 8.0 and then your calcium to 425. You can use baking soda (bake the baking soda at 350 degrees for an hour before you use it if your pH is 8.1 or lower, use it as is if your pH is 8.2 or above) mixed in ro/di water to raise your alkalinity.
Click to expand...

my PH is 8.0

what are the parameters for mixing the baking soda, and is there a certain kind i should buy?
 
Low Alkalinity

Low Alkalinity was the beginning of my dosing. At first I just used Seachem Reef Builder and it worked great. But after a while my calcium started dropping so I started dosing Seachem Calcium. I would alternate dosing alkalinity 3 times a week and calcium 2-3 times a week. I started using kalkwasser a few days ago hoping to slow down the dosing requirements. Also, using a salt like Red Sea Coral Pro will help elevate higher calcium and alkalinity.
 
You can not raise alkalinity without using some buffer.
Alkalinity will drop faster than the others.
Alkalinity, calcium and magnesium all get used and need to be buffered to keep them at correct levels. If they already are at the appropriate levels you and use Kalwasser/calcium hydroxide to help maintain calcium and alkalinity but will still need to add magnesium..

Magnesium is used up the least and sometimes can easily be maintained just with your regular water changes.
 
I just use a 2 part to dose alkalinity and calcium, B-ionic. I dose it every 2 days together, I'm glad they make this stuff as I don't want to mess with baking soda or other stuff...

The best method I have found for managing the Cal/Alk/Mag levels is using Reef Crystals, it has elevated levels in it and works perfect for a 20% WC. Since switching to RC I haven't used as much 2 part either...
 
JammyBirch said:
I just use a 2 part to dose alkalinity and calcium, B-ionic. I dose it every 2 days together, I'm glad they make this stuff as I don't want to mess with baking soda or other stuff...

The best method I have found for managing the Cal/Alk/Mag levels is using Reef Crystals, it has elevated levels in it and works perfect for a 20% WC. Since switching to RC I haven't used as much 2 part either...
Click to expand...

What Reef Crystals do you use?
 
tanyamikephil said:
What Reef Crystals do you use?
Click to expand...

Reef Crystals is a type of salt mix made by Instant Ocean. It's good stuff, it has elevated levels of calcium, alkalinity and magnesium along with other elements...which makes it perfect for WC salt. You can replenish what you've used with the water change...especially Magnesium for me, I haven't dosed magnesium since switching to RC.

it's a little more expensive but in the long run it helps keep your system consistent, if you have coral that use it.
 
JammyBirch said:
Reef Crystals is a type of salt mix made by Instant Ocean. It's good stuff, it has elevated levels of calcium, alkalinity and magnesium along with other elements...which makes it perfect for WC salt. You can replenish what you've used with the water change...especially Magnesium for me, I haven't dosed magnesium since switching to RC.

it's a little more expensive but in the long run it helps keep your system consistent, if you have coral that use it.
Click to expand...

Actually that's the one we already use and have done since the beginning. That's why I asked because I thought maybe you used something else. We have been doing water changes every 2 weeks to bring the nitrate levels down and have an RO/DI system. I guess I'll have to try some of these other ideas.

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.
 
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