Topoff question

[boilermaker1]

I've just recently moved into a new place, and I've encountered a problem I havent had before. I guess its the water here, because I havent changed any of the chemicals in the system, but the alkalinity is always low. I've been doing regular water changes, using IO salt (been for years), and the alkalinity is always low. I've been adjusting it up with baked baking soda (sodium carbonate) and can get it to sit steady at 9 (unsupplemented its 7), but the topoff water is diluting it. Should I be adding the sodium carbonate to the topoff water so it stays steady (basically shoot to make the alkalinity of the topoff water 9 as well)? Calcium level is fine at 420, its just the alkalinity that flutters. I've been trying the TLF two part solutions, which seems to be holding the calcium steady, but the alkalinity still drops until I redose sodium carbonate (right now, its every few days).

 

[MrRyanT]

I tend to lose a little more alk each day than calcium so I just add a little more of the alk 2 part each day to maintain my levels. I think you should be able to add some baking soda to your top off no problem though. As I'm sure you already know, you just can't add calcium and alk both to the top off water. If you are using limewater for top off then you probably should not add the alk to that either. Ok, think I'm rambling now. HTH.