How to change alkalinity

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

so in short, what is the problem?

Not a problem, just soemthing to know and account for.

The issue in new tanks that depletes alk (and calcium) is most often precipitation of calcium carbonate on rock and sand surfaces. Over time, this slows as the surfaces get plugged up with organics, magnesium, and phosphate.

Rising nitrate also depletes alkalinity for the reasons give above. Stable nitrate at any level does not impact alkalinity.

 

[FRANK48]

Not a problem, just soemthing to know and account for.

The issue in new tanks that depletes alk (and calcium) is most often precipitation of calcium carbonate on rock and sand surfaces. Over time, this slows as the surfaces get plugged up with organics, magnesium, and phosphate.

Rising nitrate also depletes alkalinity for the reasons give above. Stable nitrate at any level does not impact alkalinity.

So how long until my alk raises

 

[FRANK48]

Not a problem, just soemthing to know and account for.

The issue in new tanks that depletes alk (and calcium) is most often precipitation of calcium carbonate on rock and sand surfaces. Over time, this slows as the surfaces get plugged up with organics, magnesium, and phosphate.

Rising nitrate also depletes alkalinity for the reasons give above. Stable nitrate at any level does not impact alkalinity.

I just did a test and my alk is now DKH 8 and ph is 8.0( it was 8.2)

 

[FRANK48]

Nothing. Your tank is behaving normally. If i'm understanding correctly, it seems this effect is short lived, by the time your tank is ready for coral, your dkh should be relatively stabilized.

I did a test today and my alk is now 8 but ph has dropped to 8.0

 

[Cell]

I wouldn't sweat small fluctuations in pH. It fluctuates with the time of day and whether or not you have windows open.

 

[FRANK48]

I wouldn't sweat small fluctuations in pH. It fluctuates with the time of day and whether or not you have windows open.

Ohhh alright but the alk doesn’t ?

 

[FRANK48]

I wouldn't sweat small fluctuations in pH. It fluctuates with the time of day and whether or not you have windows open.

Sorry to bother you again but my alk is 6 and my calcium is 450 and magnesium is 1110 I’m not sure what to do.

 

[Cell]

I would stop worrying about it until you add coral. If you want to add coral, then continue to test daily and adjust as needed. If weekly water changes is enough to maintain, then good. If you need to dose, then do that. If you think your test kit is bad, get a new one or different brand to verify. We have established your decreasing alk is not a concern. How you handle replenishment is up to you.

 

[Cell]

I'd strongly suggest you browse these sticky topics for more in depth information on reef tank chemistry. There is a wealth of very useful, if not vital, info to know.

Randy's Reef Chemistry Articles

While there are many good articles out there on reef chemistry topics, here's a list of my articles. Some of them need updating, and we'll be posting revisions at R2R, but there are not many things which I think are incorrect. Handy Calculators (I don't claim to have written these, but they...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[FRANK48]

I'd strongly suggest you browse these sticky topics for more in depth information on reef tank chemistry. There is a wealth of very useful, if not vital, info to know.

Randy's Reef Chemistry Articles

While there are many good articles out there on reef chemistry topics, here's a list of my articles. Some of them need updating, and we'll be posting revisions at R2R, but there are not many things which I think are incorrect. Handy Calculators (I don't claim to have written these, but they...

www.reef2reef.com

Thank you

 

[beginner_reefer]

First thing you should know....raise it slowly! Don't try to go from 6 to your target in one day. 0.1 to 0.2 changes in DKH per day are safe.

I use Fritz RPM

Fritz RPM Calcium Buffer System Pt. 1 Alkalinity

Fritz Aquatics' Fritz RPM Calcium Buffer System Pt. 1 Alkalinity was designed to help aquarists maintain the proper alkalinity and calcium balance.

fritzaquatics.com

But you should read this first:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Trying to raise my alkalinity as well. This has a buffer in it and every thing I have read says do not use anything with buffer in it.