Alkalinity high 20 dkh

[Dr. Dendrostein]

My tank runs sulfur denitrator, I dose with peristaltic pump, calcium hydroxide to keep ph at 8. Is it possible to lower alkalinity down from 20 dkh to proper levels, without effecting other perimeters? I'm very well aware of side effects running sulfur denitrators. Please help.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

I run sulfur denitrator. It's side effects are low pH and it lowers alk.
Kalk on the other hand that you are dosing is high in pH along with providing alk and Cal.
I personally would not chase ph as long as it don't go below 7.8 and even then I wouldn't resort to chemicals to fix it rather airing out the room or co2 scrubber or air line from outside to skimmer etc.
All pH increasing chemicals are alk increase and most everything we use has a temporary effort on pH.
Anyways back to your question
A few water changes will help lower alk or simply stop dosing and in few days it will come down to much acceptable range.
If alk is high I would check Cal too. It might be high as well.

 

[reeferfoxx]

calcium hydroxide to keep ph at 8. Is it possible to lower alkalinity down from 20 dkh to proper levels

I definitely wouldnt dose kalk to adjust pH. How is your water at 20dkh? ;Jawdrop Does the tank look like it's snowing?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

No snow. I use sulfur denitrator , because of very heavy feeding, I've used baked baking soda, same effects. If I stop dosing, ph to 7.7. What should I use?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I run sulfur denitrator. It's side effects are low pH and it lowers alk.
Kalk on the other hand that you are dosing is high in pH along with providing alk and Cal.
I personally would not chase ph as long as it don't go below 7.8 and even then I wouldn't resort to chemicals to fix it rather airing out the room or co2 scrubber or air line from outside to skimmer etc.
All pH increasing chemicals are alk increase and most everything we use has a temporary effort on pH.
Anyways back to your question
A few water changes will help lower alk or simply stop dosing and in few days it will come down to much acceptable range.
If alk is high I would check Cal too. It might be high as well.

Also have air pump outside of home in shaded area. So getting plenty fresh air.

 

[reeferfoxx]

7.7 isn't terrible if you can keep it stable. If the issue is that it's dropping lower, then it's possible you might need to switch to different denitrification methods or figure out why your nitrates are running high to begin with. Does the tank have coral? Also what are you using to test pH and alkalinity?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Stop dosing limewater to attain a pH value. The expected result is what you observe, excessive alkalinity.

If you are getting plenty of fresh air in the room, then you either need more aeration, or recalibration of the pH meter.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Stopped yesterday, I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks for all the info.