Raising Dkh ?

[stewie24]

I've been using salifert test kits and am getting the following results:
SG: 1.025 (refract)
Calc: 400
Dkh: 7.0
Ph: 8.2

I'd like to raise the dkh to 8 or 9. I have kent pro buffer dkh (says to raise it use 5 ml per 20 gallons). I have roughly 60 gallons total water volume. If I use this, what effects will I see?
Will it throw anything out of balance?
Should I be adding calcium as well?
I'll be monitoring ph, calc, alk. I'm happy with the calc and ph volumes, but would like to raise the alk just a little.
How should I go about doing this?
Thanks
Stewie

 

[mg426]

Your alk is right at the acceptable lower limit. Your ca. PH and SG are on the money. have you tried using the reef calculator?? It will tell you how much of just about any kind of buffer to add for a given volume of water To reach the desired levels. It also has cautions and warnings to let you know if you are pushing things a little to far.

 

[stewie24]

Yes, but when i tried the reef calc (unless i'm using a different one than everyone else) it doens't have the option for pro buffer dkh.
Thanks
Stewie

 

[mg426]

Sorry that must be the only one he missed. Try mixing up some of randys alk recipe. Real easy to do and CHEAP !!! Works just like the Kent stuff. I think the kent is mostly baking soda anyway. I use it (randys recipe and it works great). You could also just use baking soda out of the box (unbaked)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Use the calculator and the entry for baking soda for the Kent buffer. If such products do not give exact ingredients, it is not always possible to give it its own entry. Baking soda will work equally well.

I'd try to select a balanced calcium and alkalinity system going forward. Limewater, CaCO3/CO2 reactors, two part systems, etc.

These articles should help:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[stewie24]

Thanks for the linka Randy.
I'll be sure and check those out. I do have kalk, and a doser, so that shouldn't be a problem.
Stewie

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck