Alkalinity Questions..

[Stege_saurus]

I recently received a new set of test kits in the mail. I used them because my old test kits were failing me. I noticed my alkalinity is way too low. What is an easy and efficient way to raise the alkalinity without doing any harm? I have all weekend including today if I need to spread it out.

 

[Ron Reefman]

What is your alk level now? And the Ca and Mg levels are also related and somewhat balanced, so what are they?

You can raise alk with one of many alk and Ca 2 part systems sold at LFS and online. For just alk, and probably for half the cost, you can use baking soda or soda ash from a pool supply store. Baking soda is fine, soda ash will temporarily raise your pH.

Use a chemistry calculator to balance your alk and Ca. Here is a link to the one I use: http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

Follow the manufactures directions if you use store bought 2 part. If you use baking soda mix 1 1/8th cups to a gallon of water. If you use soda ash mix 2 cups to 1 gallon of water. In the chemistry calculator linked above, the baking soda mix is called 'Randy's Recipe 2', if you use the soda ash it's called 'Randy's Recipe 1'.

 

[Stege_saurus]

What is your alk level now? And the Ca and Mg levels are also related and somewhat balanced, so what are they?

You can raise alk with one of many alk and Ca 2 part systems sold at LFS and online. For just alk, and probably for half the cost, you can use baking soda or soda ash from a pool supply store. Baking soda is fine, soda ash will temporarily raise your pH.

Use a chemistry calculator to balance your alk and Ca. Here is a link to the one I use: http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

Follow the manufactures directions if you use store bought 2 part. If you use baking soda mix 1 1/8th cups to a gallon of water. If you use soda ash mix 2 cups to 1 gallon of water. In the chemistry calculator linked above, the baking soda mix is called 'Randy's Recipe 2', if you use the soda ash it's called 'Randy's Recipe 1'.

Ca- <100
Alk<4
Mg haven't tested yet

Would a water change replenish some of this? I also have Kent's marine calcium that I can dose

 

[ghostman]

What are the units? Those numbers don't seem probable. What test kits are you using?

 

[Stege_saurus]

Ppm
Dkh
Salifert
Unless I read it wrong?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Calcium less than 100 ppm in seawater with salinity close to normal is almost certainly test error.

DO NOT ADJUST the tank based on these readings.

Try the kits on some new made salt water to see what you get.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Calcium less than 100 ppm in seawater with salinity close to normal is almost certainly test error.

DO NOT ADJUST the tank based on these readings.

Try the kits on some new made salt water to see what you get.

Agree 100%
You'd likely be seeing dying coral if your numbers were truly that low.

 

[Stege_saurus]

Agree 100%
You'd likely be seeing dying coral if your numbers were truly that low.

I will check it shortly, and list the results.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I will check it shortly, and list the results.

Keep us posted

 

[Stege_saurus]

The top results are from the new mix, the bottom are from my reef tank today. I think there was a bit of human error in the way of getting the correct results...you live and you learn!