ph and dkh question

[Diver4life]

Right now im using reef buffer to raise the ph and dkh of my tank.
if i use kalkwasser with the drip method to raise and maintain the alkalinity, the ph its suppose to be more stable too? Im asking cause every week i have to raise the ph and dkh of my tank with the reef buffer and was thinking to switch to kalkwasser.

 

[Diver4life]

any1? :-(

 

[Aquarist007]

Re: ph and dkh question

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11610346#post11610346 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Diver4life
Right now im using reef buffer to raise the ph and dkh of my tank.
if i use kalkwasser with the drip method to raise and maintain the alkalinity, the ph its suppose to be more stable too? Im asking cause every week i have to raise the ph and dkh of my tank with the reef buffer and was thinking to switch to kalkwasser.

I would not use reef buffer to raise the pH--it contains boron which raises the alkalinity also but the majority of the alkalinty tests are based on carbonates, not borates.

pH is usually due to co2 problems in and around the tank
If it is possible try to open a window near the tank and sump over night. Crank up the skimmer or vent the air line outside will also make a difference
If the pH is just due to the normal nocturnal swing then setting up a refugium with reverse daylight lighting will also help

IMO I would start on a two part system like b-ionics. It will stabilize the calcium and alkalinity and indirectly the pH

To raise the calcium I use Kent turbo calcium and to raise the alkalinity I use kent super dKh.
There is a handy chemical dosing calculator in the first thread of the reef chemistry form
Once these two are at a satisfactory level then the b-ionics will take over and keep the levels stable in your tank.

 

[Diver4life]

so you dont use kalkwasser? i have c-balance but its expensive if i use it every day to mantain the calcium and alk. I thought about kalk cause theres a lot of people here that use it. I will try to follow your recommendation and see what happen. Thanks for your help.

 

[mnml]

+1 on what capn_hylinur stated. i had the same issue and tried to raise pH by buffering. quickly switched to dosing 2 parts and now my pH is a constant 8.2-8.35. after my ca/alk were balanced, i slowly introduced kalk with my ATO water.

you can buy DIY 2parts from these guys, good prices and service.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/

GL!

 

[mbbuna]

you can use kalk if you like. the problem some people have with kalk is there Ca and Alk demand is higher then kalk can provide so they need to use a two part or calcium reactor.

 

[Diver4life]

wow! so these 2parts kit do the same as c-balance? theres 3 of them witch one should i buy?

 

[Diver4life]

mbbuna i dont have any corals for now, but i will add some in the future but not to many just a couple (4 or 5) polyps and mushrooms. So my demand will not be to much.

 

[Diver4life]

thanks everybody, going to sleep i will check tomorrow .Good night

 

[tigerarmy40]

what is your ph testing at? and have you tested with the lights on or off? or both?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This article has more on how to solve pH problems without adding buffers (which is never the best solution):

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

 

[rustybucket145]

ummm... yeah, what is your ph and dkh testing at?

 

[Diver4life]

thanks for the link, I tested the ph and dkh at day.always tried to maintain the ph at 8.4 and dkh 9. But every week went down to ph 8.0 and dkh-7. Im not overfeeding and make weekly water changes.

 

[rustybucket145]

I'd check out that article randy posted for your ph. What's your calcium testing at?

My tank has chronic low dkh as well (will get to 5 if I let it) I use the 2-part home mix of Randy's and I've actually gotten really good at controlling it along with the calcium.

 

[Diver4life]

the ca is 460, im going to buy that 2 part solution right now.how you dose your tank?

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618458#post11618458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Diver4life
the ca is 460, im going to buy that 2 part solution right now.how you dose your tank?

first test your alk and calcium levels and you should test your magnesium level also--should be 1300 ppm

I would suggest you add 30 mL of each of the two part for the next week

then measure your alk, calcium and mag levels again

Adjust the amount of two part according to the difference in the readings over the first week

Repeat the procedure for the next 4 ot 6 weeks and your system should stablize out.

 

[Diver4life]

ok i will, just ordered the super buffer that you are using. I was looking at this site for the 2 part but the shipping its a little expensive. Do you know about other link for the 2 part? which opne uR using? and thanks again.

 

[Diver4life]

capn_hylinur do you know another link to buy the 2 part solution?

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618894#post11618894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Diver4life
capn_hylinur do you know another link to buy the 2 part solution?

I know the b-ionics two part that i use comes in a concentrate that you mix yourself with r/o water

Randy has his own two part mixes that are excellent. Check in the reef chemistry form in the first couple of thread--it might be cheaper for you to make your own.

 

[Diver4life]

ok going to check.thanks