Issue with PH and Alk/KH levels

[Jasontkd]

I am currently running a 20 gallon waterbox aquarium that is still fairly young. I have had it set up since the beginning of October. It has mainly inverts, but has one clown, a few zoas and a torch coral.

All my levels have been testing fine, and I do about a 15% water change a week (Fritz Pro Salt Blue Box). I run carbon and purigen in the filter chambers, with no skimmer.

Anyway, I noticed the other day that my PH and ALK were both low. Those were both tested with a Red Sea kit. My PH was at 7 and my Alk was at 5 dKH. I mixed up a little Kalkwasser and added it to my Top Off reservoir.

Now my PH is reading 8.4, and my Alk is showing 7 dKH. So, I am not sure what I need to do to raise my Alkalinity without increasing my PH any further. I don't want to keep running Kalkwasser and have my PH keep going up.

Is this normal to see this? I don't see why my alkalinity would be so low unless maybe there is something wrong with my test kit. I also haven't tested a fresh batch of saltwater to see what that reads.

Anyone have some suggestions on what to test or how to rule out a bad test kit? I just feel like I am missing something.

 

[Stoneys'Reef]

I am currently running a 20 gallon waterbox aquarium that is still fairly young. I have had it set up since the beginning of October. It has mainly inverts, but has one clown, a few zoas and a torch coral.

All my levels have been testing fine, and I do about a 15% water change a week (Fritz Pro Salt Blue Box). I run carbon and purigen in the filter chambers, with no skimmer.

Anyway, I noticed the other day that my PH and ALK were both low. Those were both tested with a Red Sea kit. My PH was at 7 and my Alk was at 5 dKH. I mixed up a little Kalkwasser and added it to my Top Off reservoir.

Now my PH is reading 8.4, and my Alk is showing 7 dKH. So, I am not sure what I need to do to raise my Alkalinity without increasing my PH any further. I don't want to keep running Kalkwasser and have my PH keep going up.

Is this normal to see this? I don't see why my alkalinity would be so low unless maybe there is something wrong with my test kit. I also haven't tested a fresh batch of saltwater to see what that reads.

Anyone have some suggestions on what to test or how to rule out a bad test kit? I just feel like I am missing something.

They have a alk that does not raise your ph. You just have to look for it as I am not 100% on which 1 it is off the top of my head.

 

[DaneGer21]

They have a alk that does not raise your ph. You just have to look for it as I am not 100% on which 1 it is off the top of my head.

Sodium Bicarbonate! It does NOT affect PH.

Pharma Sodium Bicarbonate 1-Gallon Mix

Ideal for large changes in alkalinity levels or daily dosing in aquariums with high pH. Ultra-pure Sodium Bicarbonate for 2-part dosing in your reef tank! Bulk Reef Supply 2-part additives are the perfect solution to replenish the intake of calcium and alkalinity coral consumes when it grows...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Soda Ash(Sodium Carbonate), WILL increase PH

 

[Stoneys'Reef]

Sodium Bicarbonate! It does NOT affect PH.

Pharma Sodium Bicarbonate 1-Gallon Mix

Ideal for large changes in alkalinity levels or daily dosing in aquariums with high pH. Ultra-pure Sodium Bicarbonate for 2-part dosing in your reef tank! Bulk Reef Supply 2-part additives are the perfect solution to replenish the intake of calcium and alkalinity coral consumes when it grows...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Soda Ash(Sodium Carbonate), WILL increase PH

Yes ! Thanks for adding that . I didn't want to give him the wrong 1.