Alk and PH

[Ksturg]

So I just started a new tank and it’s the first time using all rodi water. My alk is 3 and my ph 8.2 how would I go about raising this. It’s a 20 gal long used io salt and caribsea “live sand”

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is probably 3 meq/L? not 3 dKH? If meq/L it is fine and need not be raised.

 

[Ksturg]

I used a KH test kit and got 3 drops till it turned blue.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I used a KH test kit and got 3 drops till it turned blue.

What brand kit?

 

[Ksturg]

API it’s the only one I have access to in this crap town

 

[Ksturg]

Also I tested 3 times just to make sure

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Did you just cycle the tank? That will deplete alk. But I’d test some new salt water to be sure the kit reads reasonably there.

 

[Ksturg]

I tested on my established tank and I get 10 drops before it turns blue. The tank I don’t think ever went through a cycle I used dry rock and the “live sand”. I guess I could wait longer and see if it comes up on it’s own

 

[Ksturg]

Good thing is there is nothing in the tank so I have time to figure it out

 

[Ksturg]

What would be better? Baking soda or kalk? If I need to bring it up at all

 

[Ksturg]

Omg stupid me I was doing the test wrong geez...insert laughter here

 

[Jeremy K.A.]

I'm having issues with alk as well, right now it's around 4 and my calcium is 440, just had it tested at the LFS yesterday... I'm perplexed

 

[Ryan Rosales]

Use Reef Code B by Brightwell*, pretty easy to use.
Add maximum of 5ml/20Gal every 24hrs if dKH is below 7.0 after every testing until you’re achieved the desired dKH levels.

 

[Ryan Rosales]

Don’t forget to shake the bottle a few times so that you get the right dosage/ml of the mixture.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Omg stupid me I was doing the test wrong geez...insert laughter here

No problem. We’ve all done tests wrong. [emoji3]

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm having issues with alk as well, right now it's around 4 and my calcium is 440, just had it tested at the LFS yesterday... I'm perplexed

You sure it is 4 dKH and not 4 meq/L?

 

[Ryan Rosales]

Yeah, that would make a big difference[emoji1]

 

[Ksturg]

Since I figured out I was doing it wrong my alk is at 11 prob a bit high but I’m good with it.

 

[Jeremy K.A.]

You sure it is 4 dKH and not 4 meq/L?

I'm going to do my own test tonight, because I have doubts it's 4 myself mainly because everything looks so great in the tank