Alkalinity hanna checker

[Westoncase]

My tank has been running for close to 7 months now and I finally decided to buy an alkalinity checker. All nh3, no3 and no2 all seem to be stable now via Red Sea tests. My first alk test read 7.4 and ph was 8.1. I have gsp and probably 35 combined zoa polyps. I do 25% weekly wc with rodi and fritz bluebox. What should I do if my alk is “low”? Or is stability more important

 

[P-Dub]

Stability is key. Any adjustments should be dosed slow and steady to raise your Alk. What is your Ca level? Alk and Ca are co-dependent, so to speak.

 

[lapin]

My tank has been running for close to 7 months now and I finally decided to buy an alkalinity checker. All nh3, no3 and no2 all seem to be stable now via Red Sea tests. My first alk test read 7.4 and ph was 8.1. I have gsp and probably 35 combined zoa polyps. I do 25% weekly wc with rodi and fritz bluebox. What should I do if my alk is “low”? Or is stability more important

The reason for your low alk (its not that low) is the salt mix you are using vs how much your tank is using.
If you want to raise it ; Before switching salt or adding an alk buffer I would test my tank right before a normal water change and right after it. I would also test my salt mix. This will give you some basis to go on.
Also you need to get your mag, cal numbers. A new salt mix might have more of these elements. You might need them or not.

 

[Westoncase]

Stability is key. Any adjustments should be dosed slow and steady to raise your Alk. What is your Ca level? Alk and Ca are co-dependent, so to speak.

Idk yet, haven’t decided if I wanna get the Hanna checker or the salifert test kit for Ca.

 

[lapin]

For cal and mag I use the Salfert kits

 

[Westoncase]

For cal and mag I use the Salfert kits

If I order one from online, do you think the reagents would be ok sitting on my porch for a few hrs while it’s 1,000 degrees?

 

[lapin]

I would not think 100F would be harmful for a short period of time.
1000F would not be good as it would boil away.

 

[Westoncase]

I would not think 100F would be harmful for a short period of time.
1000F would not be good as it would boil away.

Ok, the heat index in eastern nc has been at least 100 for a week and isn’t supposed to change anytime soon. I’m about to order one now

 

[lapin]

Im in Texas. It can get hot here. I have not had a problem with test kits via the post.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

They are well packed and can resist sitting in a box at your house for few hrs.
I would use red sea or salifert for cal and mag.
Mag is the key element that keeps cal and alk in check.
7.4 is ok as long as you have low nutrients.
If not then 8 dkh would be more ideal and stable.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My tank has been running for close to 7 months now and I finally decided to buy an alkalinity checker. All nh3, no3 and no2 all seem to be stable now via Red Sea tests. My first alk test read 7.4 and ph was 8.1. I have gsp and probably 35 combined zoa polyps. I do 25% weekly wc with rodi and fritz bluebox. What should I do if my alk is “low”? Or is stability more important

7.4 dKH is not low. it is fine.

When it is low (below 7 dkH, IMO), dosing a two part or sodium bicarbonate/carbonate is a fine plan.