Alkalinity issues

[SAVEtheFISHIES]

Ok, I cannot get my Alkalinity lowered. Its hovering around 14 dkh. My PH is 8.2 and I use RODI water with the auto top off and water changes. I have conducted several 10% water changes in hopes it would bring it down but nothing is working. What can I do to lower the Alkalinity? Thanks

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi, just wondering if you dose anything and what salt you use to help source the issue

 

[Gareth elliott]

*Do this slowly*

Ok so i used seachem acid buffer to get my alkalinity down so was at 8 not 9 like my mix was(have since just switch salt mixes) Mixed up salt water and then added via the directions, aerate for like an hour to off gas the created co2. If doing 10% wc it is probably ok to mix up water that is about 1.5 dkh lower than salt mix already is.

You can also do via the tank directly but go even slower. Say .25 dkh every 4 hours and only 2 times a day. This will play with ph too much if go more than that.

 

[d2mini]

If large water changes are not making it move, and you are not dosing alk, then the most likely culprit is your salt mix.
Which brand? What is the alk in a freshly mixed batch before adding to the tank? Some salts have very elevated alk.

I prefer to use salts that have more natural sea water levels across the board so I can dose alk and calc in equal amounts.

 

[SAVEtheFISHIES]

If large water changes are not making it move, and you are not dosing alk, then the most likely culprit is your salt mix.
Which brand? What is the alk in a freshly mixed batch before adding to the tank? Some salts have very elevated alk.

I prefer to use salts that have more natural sea water levels across the board so I can dose alk and calc in equal amounts.

Ok, I cannot get my Alkalinity lowered. Its hovering around 14 dkh. My PH is 8.2 and I use RODI water with the auto top off and water changes. I have conducted several 10% water changes in hopes it would bring it down but nothing is working. What can I do to lower the Alkalinity? Thanks

I started the tank off with Instant Ocean Sea Salt (fish only) but have since changed to Red Sea Coral Pro Salt since I am starting a reef tank. A fresh batch reads 12 dkh. I was dosing with reef fusion 1 and 2 but have stopped because the alkalinity issue.

 

[Gareth elliott]

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/EffectOfWaterChanges.php

This will also help

 

[d2mini]

I started off with

I started the tank off with Instant Ocean Sea Salt (fish only) but have since changed to Red Sea Coral Pro Salt since I am starting a reef tank. A fresh batch reads 12 dkh. I was dosing with reef fusion 1 and 2 but have stopped because the alkalinity issue.

12 is really high. Especially for a new tank without much alk hungry coral. I use Salinity which is more around 8-8.5 dkh.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

My best guess is your salt and dosing are overlapping and spiking the Dkh. I would cut dosing out for a while, let the tank use up some of the extra and then do some water changes. But I would let it go down on its on if nothing in the tank is in danger. Mine spiked in error to over 15 sat. Down to 13now and dropping.

 

[SAVEtheFISHIES]

hmmm. ok guess ill let the tank do its thing and continue to conduct water changes. I've already stopped the dosing for a few days now. Thanks all

 

[SPR1968]

Those parameters are high by ‘normal’ standards, but the Coral Pro is designed to promote faster coral growth as part of their Accelerated growth program, which I followed for over 12 months, and that’s why the parameters are higher.

Also if you combine this salt with something like ABC+ skeletal elements you may not need to dose anything else depending on tank size.

I think it’s designed to make everything a little easier

If you want to lower the alkalinity maybe change to the standard Red Sea salt and if you don’t want to waste what you have just do a 50/50 mix until the Coral Pro is used and that will also lower the alkalinity with your water changes.

 

[KyOsIBa515]

What are you’re nitrate levels? High nitrates can lead to high phosphates ultimately leading to high alkalinity.

 

[KyOsIBa515]

Outside of oxidation reduction potential alkalinity is maybe the most fickle water parameter to get a hold of.

 

[MikeyG]

Outside of oxidation reduction potential alkalinity is maybe the most fickle water parameter to get a hold of.

I could not agree you you more. I am dealing with a HIGH alkalinity problem. It's always above 10, but in the past week it has jumped up to 14. I think it might be related to me dosing with Red Sea Ca, and Mg foundation solutions. I need to find a safe way to bring it back down before something goes bad.