not sure about alkalinity

[reefNetWork]

can someone explain alkalinity and why it is important? also how do you adjust it if it is high or low. i have a tetra KH test kit and according the way this test works my alkalinity is at 10. it says the number of drops added is the german hardness. is 10 a good KH level? thank you

 

[buzzee]

Alkanity is the measure of carbonate hardess of the water column. All corals need this to for growth and PH stability.

Coral skeletons are predominantly formed from carbonate and calcium, (along with others), hence coral rock being known as Calcium carbonate.

The addition of Carbonate can be acheived via very expensive marine products or by simply adding a good quality baking soda, (Sodium bicarbonate).

The german measuring of KH should be anywhere between 7 and 12 for best results but not lower.

A lower than 7KH will result in PH instability.

It just so happens that bicarbonte buffers the PH and keeps the PH not only up, but also stable and more resistent to PH swings which can be dangerous to the inhabitants.

Hope that helps!

 

[buzzee]

So...KH/alkalinity does TWO things and they are equally important.

1: Buffers PH
2: Feeds coral skeletons.

KH reduction can only be acheived by water changes.

KH increase via baking soda.

 

[reefNetWork]

thank you

 

[outy]

remember if you bake the baking soda for 1 hour it will raise ph normal out of the box soda will lower ph a little