Alk very low

[scsdukefan408]

So I just tested my water for the 1st time since doing my water change on tuesday(went on mini vacation) and my readings came out good except for the Alk

Sal: 1.025
Mag:1450
Cal: 445
Alk: dkH 5.6

Just wondering how its so low...so I go buy Alk supplement to add to raise it?

 

[kacrocorals581]

I would recommend seachem reef builder you should get the buffer that raises alkalinity and keeps Ph at 8.3 with alkalinity that low your gonna have a hard time keeping your Ph stable. You can also get the seachem reef builder that just raises carbonate alkalinity. You should mix as directed into a 1gal jug and drip it slowly into the aquarium and do not raise alkalinity more than 1 point a day

 

[scsdukefan408]

Thanks for the info ill look into it

 

[redfishbluefish]

If you are a bit DIY, take regular baking soda…..2 ¼ cups….and spread it out on a cookie sheet. Cook in your oven at 300 degrees for one hour. Add this to a jug that holds one gallon and add RO/DI water to one gallon. Add this to your tank to raise your alk number.

This is Randy’s ALK recipe for dosing alk……HERE.

 

[mike007]

Yes you do need to add a alk. supplement,keep a eye on you ca. High ca levels will often cause alk. to go down.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Your tank uses ALK, you have alot of Coralline in the tank I presume?

 

[scsdukefan408]

Your tank uses ALK, you have alot of Coralline in the tank I presume?

Yes you are correct Just recently I added new dry rock and the coralline is starting to cover it completely.

 

[Reefing Madness]

You are now an accomplished Water numbers watcher. =)