Alkalinity REALLY high

[Carebearsss.x]

Hello! We just checked the parameters on our tank and the alkalinity is extremely high!
The DKH is at 14
While looking online, my boyfriend and I seen that you can dose vinegar into your tank to lower your alk?

Is this a good idea?
If so, how much do I add?

Pls help I’m still trying to learn

 

[fcmatt]

What salt r u using?
What is your salinity?

 

[Carebearsss.x]

What salt r u using?
What is your salinity?

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals & 1.024

 

[fcmatt]

How old is the tank and what is in it?

 

[fcmatt]

Instant ocean reef crystals has a default alk of approx 13. So if your salinity is off a bit it could explain the 14.

 

[Carebearsss.x]

How old is the tank and what is in it?

2 years!
We've got 1 green Acan, an Open Brain Coral, 1Fire & Ice Zoas, a Hammer Coral, 1 Duncan & a Favia
Along with a common clown fish (which is a baby) & a cleaner shrimp

 

[Carebearsss.x]

Instant ocean reef crystals has a default alk of approx 13. So if your salinity is off a bit it could explain the 14.

What would u recommend for the salinity 1.025?

 

[fcmatt]

I would just switch to a diff salt when the crystals are gone that contains a lower alk. Normal weekly small water changes will knock it down over time.. If the coral is happy just keep going until old salt is gone. Double check the salinity would be my first step.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Vinegar will not lower alk. As soon as the acetate in it is metabolized, the alk comes back.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What would u recommend for the salinity 1.025?

That’s fine, but I generally recommend 35 ppt, which has a specific gravity of 1.0264.

Are you adding any chemicals or tap water to the aquarium?

 

[Carebearsss.x]

I would just switch to a diff salt when the crystals are gone that contains a lower alk. Normal weekly small water changes will knock it down over time.. If the coral is happy just keep going until old salt is gone. Double check the salinity would be my first step.

Thank you for all your help, I'll double check right now

 

[Carebearsss.x]

That’s fine, but I generally recommend 35 ppt, which has a specific gravity of 1.0264.

Are you adding any chemicals or tap water to the aquarium?

Okay! Thanks && no it's just RO water for right now

 

[fcmatt]

what tool r u using to check salinity and do you have a way to calibrate it?

 

[Carebearsss.x]

what tool r u using to check salinity and do you have a way to calibrate it?

We are using the Instant Ocean one so I don't think we are able to calibrate i t

 

[fcmatt]

We are using the Instant Ocean one so I don't think we are able to calibrate i t

Poo. Those can be hit or miss. Kinda meant for a fish only tank unless you get super lucky with one that just happens to read perfectly.

It could very well explain the high alk because your salinity is high. Just guessing here.

If you plan to be successful with coral spending 50 bucks on a sybon refractometer with a refractometer calibration solution is preferred

 

[blasterman]

Instant Ocean has a common dKH of ~9 or so, not 13. I've used that product for decades and thats where it tends to hover.

I just tested my new bag of Instant Ocean a few minutes ago and it tested at 9.1.

Reef Crystals, which is made by the same company can have a high dKH. My last bag mixed at 12.....I've had it clock in as high as 13.

Its possible we have an off bag of Instant Ocean. Mix up a bit and test it. If it tests the same as mine then we need to stop dosing. dKH will come down on it's own, but you need to stop adding it. It just doesnt rise for no reason.

 

[blasterman]

Also, I know a lot of reefers who Instant Ocean in reef tanks. It's not 'poo'. If any thing its RC that that tends to have massive batch variances. Because a marketing dept puts the word "pro" on a salt mix doesnt mean its better.

 

[fcmatt]

Blaster.. i meant the swing arm hydrometer or whatever it is called. not the salt...

we could simply be dealing with an issue of a device which gives an approximation of salinity and be off.. combined with a high alk salt.. thus a reading of 14...

we have not even touched on how the OP is testing for alk!

 

[clffthmps]

Keep in mind using instant ocean reef crystals. it’s not mix very well from the factory. it might be a little difficult but take the bucket and shake it for about 4 to 5 minutes to let everything mix well.

 

[clffthmps]

If not mixed well, you can get more Cal or mag. Just shake it well before using.