So in my Im lagoon 25 I tested my alk which came out to 5dkh after 3 weeks of cycling no live stock. I am using Red Sea coral pro salt. I never tested what it was on initial fill up but I am assuming since it a small water volume that distilled water ph is 6.5 at least and it's probably bringing it down every time i too off. So my question is , what is everyone using to prep gallons of top off water for there reef. I never had this issue with my 150 gallon.
Does distilled water cause all drop when using for top off?
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The pH of the distilled water is not 6.5, it is more neutral or around 7 but you cannot test it since there are too few ions to measure accurately. Distilled or RO/DI will quickly take on the characteristics of whatever it is added to or is added to it since it is trying to attract anything to get back to its natural "dirty" state. Water doesn't like being pure so is very agressive.
I don't add anything to my top off.
I don't add anything to my top off.
bellasdad0911
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After doing a lot of reading I have been finding out the same thing. So what would cause the alk to drop so quickly with no coral or fish? Nothing should be absorbing it as I am not even running lighting yet during the cycle process.
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From Randy's article on alkalinity and calcium demand about alkalinity depletion during cycling:
"each ammonia molecule converted into nitrate, one hydrogen ion (H+) is produced. If nitrate is allowed to accumulate to 50 ppm, the addition of this acid will deplete 0.8 meq/L (2.3 dKH) of alkalinity.
However, the news is not all bad. When this nitrate proceeds further along the nitrogen cycle, depleted alkalinity is returned in exactly the amount lost. For example, if the nitrate is allowed to be converted into N2 in a sand bed, "
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php
So this could be playing a part depending on what alkalinity you started with. He goes on to discuss that removing the nitrate through water changes can further this effect and how it is one of the reasons fish only setups many need buffer additives
"each ammonia molecule converted into nitrate, one hydrogen ion (H+) is produced. If nitrate is allowed to accumulate to 50 ppm, the addition of this acid will deplete 0.8 meq/L (2.3 dKH) of alkalinity.
However, the news is not all bad. When this nitrate proceeds further along the nitrogen cycle, depleted alkalinity is returned in exactly the amount lost. For example, if the nitrate is allowed to be converted into N2 in a sand bed, "
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php
So this could be playing a part depending on what alkalinity you started with. He goes on to discuss that removing the nitrate through water changes can further this effect and how it is one of the reasons fish only setups many need buffer additives
bellasdad0911
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Cmcoker thanks for the info, I believe that indeed is the issue, from 3 ammonia cycles and the conversion process. I just purchased reef buffer and will test tonight and bring up the values slowly.
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Reef buffer may not be the best for this application.
From seachem website:
Reef Buffer[emoji769] will also raise carbonate alkalinity; however, it is intended primarily for use as a buffer in a reef system where the maintenance of a pH of 8.3 is often difficult. When pH is not an issue, Reef Builder[emoji769] or Reef Carbonate[emoji769] should be your first choice for a carbonate alkalinity supplement.
If you can exchange it for some reef builder that would be better. Better yet if you can return it and bake some baking soda and save the rest of that money for livestock[emoji6]
Diy 2 Part article, info on using baked baking soda:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/
Bradley Crocker
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When do you mix your new saltwater? I had a similar alkalinity problem with coral pro salt when mixing a day or two in advance. I started mixing it a few hours before and my alk went from lower than the test could read to just over 9dkh. Ph went up with it, naturally.
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What's the nitrates? I always do a water change after cycling before adding stock. On my 14g biocube, I try to do a weekly change since it has no skimmer and I only run a little carbon in it
And what are you planning to add?
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Those should be pretty forgiving corals to start. Watch that monti it will be the most sensitive to alk swings. Try to test daily and keep it stable, like don't let it drop to 7 then raise to 10 in a day. No more than a 1 dkh change in a day would be better
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Just a quick note on that nitrate kit. You have to shake one of the bottles, reagent 2 iirc, and I mean shake the crap out of it for about 30 seconds to a minute. Otherwise you can get a false low reading... So many dont shake it enough so thought I'd mentiontested the parameters tonight looking good
