How to lower dkh???

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 7, 2015

White can also be bleaching (loss of zoox), but half and half sounds more like tissue necrosis (RTN or STN = rapid or slow tissue necrosis). Search on these terms to find extensive discussions. If that is what is happening, it is not good.

cwb_reeftank · Feb 7, 2015

What would cause that and us there anyway of fixing it?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 7, 2015

There are many causes that people blame such issues on. Basically, anything that causes a big stress can trigger it. I don't know which it might have been for you. The alk could possibly have been an issue if the corals were used to a lower alkalinity, or it could be a bacterial disease that recently got into the tank, chemical issues, temp swings too big, lighting issues, etc.

cwb_reeftank · Feb 7, 2015

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1423318105.167260.jpg

that's what it looks like

cwb_reeftank · Feb 7, 2015

Ok if I add the acid buffer to my new water for a water change do I add the buffer then wait till my dkh goes down then bring up my ph?

Chalicedude · Feb 7, 2015

What salt brand are u using?

that Reef Guy · Feb 7, 2015

I am in the same dilemma as you.

I just bought a Small Bucket of Salinity by Seachem and the Alkalinity is much lower than my new Frag Tank so it will lower the overall Alkalinity but I have many others concerns with this Salt which I am about to post now in a new thread before I use it.

Here is the Link to that if you want to check it out.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...pened-compared-reef-crystals.html#post2193307

The Alkalinity is 9.8 with the Seachem Salinity vs what I normally use (Reef Crytals) which is above 13

cwb_reeftank · Feb 8, 2015

I use the instant ocean ?

that Reef Guy · Feb 8, 2015

cwb_reeftank said:
I use the instant ocean ?

I bought a Bag of Instant Ocean and the Alkalinity was 13.9 which is surprising because that is less than Reef Crystals and Reef Crystals is supposed to have Higher Alkalinity.

I would change Salts.

Seachem Salinity is Lower in Alkalinity (9.8) but I am having concerns about using it right now.

cwb_reeftank · Feb 8, 2015

I tested mine and it was at 10.6 or 10.7? And is it ok to change salts? Bc I saw somewhere a while ago that it was bad to do that? Idk if that's true or just out dated information

that Reef Guy · Feb 8, 2015

cwb_reeftank said:
I tested mine and it was at 10.6 or 10.7? And is it ok to change salts? Bc I saw somewhere a while ago that it was bad to do that? Idk if that's true or just out dated information

It seems like people change salts all the time but it does worry me as well.

I do not like change I guess.

cwb_reeftank · Feb 8, 2015

I just don't want to shock anything in my tank

that Reef Guy · Feb 8, 2015

cwb_reeftank said:
I just don't want to shock anything in my tank

Do Smaller Water Changes.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 8, 2015

cwb_reeftank said:
Ok if I add the acid buffer to my new water for a water change do I add the buffer then wait till my dkh goes down then bring up my ph?

The only thing you can do to bring up the pH is extensive aeration. No additive can help. The alk and pH go down instantly.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 8, 2015

Changing salts through normal water changes won't be any issue. I have only every heard of one combination of salts that was a problem, and even then I'm not sure what was actually happening.

that Reef Guy · Feb 8, 2015

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Changing salts through normal water changes won't be any issue. I have only every heard of one combination of salts that was a problem, and even then I'm not sure what was actually happening.

What combination was that.

Need to know see we can all avoid it in the future.

cwb_reeftank · Feb 8, 2015

Ok but do I let the dkh go down before I do the aeration process?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 8, 2015

Alkalinity drops immediately on adding the acid (either muriatic or sodium bisulfate). There's no waiting needed. Aerate before, during, and after, if you like. After is what is needed, however.