KH

[PeteFiglebee]

Hello, I am setting up my first reef tank and I'm having some trouble with my kh. From what I understand I need a KH between 8-12 which translates to 150+ppm. My current ppm is 40 for KH. I am using instant ocean reef mix with RO water with 0kh and 0tds. From my understanding the RO water should completely match the reef mix which is supposedly in the 8-12 range. So how could I be losing my buffering capacity? The solution is just as low before adding to aquarium.

 

[CasperOe]

Hello, I am setting up my first reef tank and I'm having some trouble with my kh. From what I understand I need a KH between 8-12 which translates to 150+ppm. My current ppm is 40 for KH. I am using instant ocean reef mix with RO water with 0kh and 0tds. From my understanding the RO water should completely match the reef mix which is supposedly in the 8-12 range. So how could I be losing my buffering capacity? The solution is just as low before adding to aquarium.

Welcome to Reef2Reef! You have entered a great forum- and a hobby for life! You will meet frustrations along the way, but you will learn much!

1. Ditch PPM and only use dKH. No one is using PPM for alkalinity so let's clear that out of the way first. You are 'correct' that a good range for dKH is '8-12'. I am keeping 7.5-8 myself in this regard.

2. Instant Ocean Reef Salt will have a dKH of about 10 if mixed correctly- at the correct temperature. Are you sure you are mixing your salt as per instructions?

3. Unlike I have misunderstood your post, RO water is fresh water and as such, your RO can not 'completely match the reef mix'. RO water mixed with whatever salt mix you're buying will give you water with the desired salinity, dKH and so on.

There are plenty of good videos on YouTube on how to mix your saltwater. Have a look through the 'Education' section on Bulk Reef Supply's webpage.

Best of luck!

Oh- an bonus info! - "KH" is not a suitable subject line my no means! Be specific so that people knows what you ask for. I suggest you refer to the "How to ask questions" post in my signature!

 

[CasperOe]

Hello, I am setting up my first reef tank and I'm having some trouble with my kh. From what I understand I need a KH between 8-12 which translates to 150+ppm. My current ppm is 40 for KH. I am using instant ocean reef mix with RO water with 0kh and 0tds. From my understanding the RO water should completely match the reef mix which is supposedly in the 8-12 range. So how could I be losing my buffering capacity? The solution is just as low before adding to aquarium.

Welcome to Reef2Reef! You have entered a great forum- and a hobby for life! You will meet frustrations along the way, but you will learn much!

1. Ditch PPM and only use dKH. No one is using PPM for alkalinity so let's clear that out of the way first. You are 'correct' that a good range for dKH is '8-12'. I am keeping 7.5-8 myself in this regard.

2. Instant Ocean Reef Salt will have a dKH of about 10 if mixed correctly- at the correct temperature. Are you sure you are mixing your salt as per instructions?

3. Unlike I have misunderstood your post, RO water is fresh water and as such, your RO can not 'completely match the reef mix'. RO water mixed with whatever salt mix you're buying will give you water with the desired salinity, dKH and so on.

There are plenty of good videos on YouTube on how to mix your saltwater. Have a look through the 'Education' section on Bulk Reef Supply's webpage.

Best of luck!

Oh- an bonus info! - "KH" is not a suitable subject line my no means! Be specific so that people knows what you ask for. I suggest you refer to the "How to ask questions" post in my signature!

 

[CasperOe]

Hello, I am setting up my first reef tank and I'm having some trouble with my kh. From what I understand I need a KH between 8-12 which translates to 150+ppm. My current ppm is 40 for KH. I am using instant ocean reef mix with RO water with 0kh and 0tds. From my understanding the RO water should completely match the reef mix which is supposedly in the 8-12 range. So how could I be losing my buffering capacity? The solution is just as low before adding to aquarium.

Welcome to Reef2Reef! You have entered a great forum- and a hobby for life! You will meet frustrations along the way, but you will learn much!

1. Ditch PPM and only use dKH. No one is using PPM for alkalinity so let's clear that out of the way first. You are 'correct' that a good range for dKH is '8-12'. I am keeping 7.5-8 myself in this regard.

2. Instant Ocean Reef Salt will have a dKH of about 10 if mixed correctly- at the correct temperature. Are you sure you are mixing your salt as per instructions?

3. Unlike I have misunderstood your post, RO water is fresh water and as such, your RO can not 'completely match the reef mix'. RO water mixed with whatever salt mix you're buying will give you water with the desired salinity, dKH and so on.

There are plenty of good videos on YouTube on how to mix your saltwater. Have a look through the 'Education' section on Bulk Reef Supply's webpage.

Best of luck!

Oh- an bonus info! - "KH" is not a suitable subject line my no means! Be specific so that people knows what you ask for. I suggest you refer to the "How to ask questions" post in my signature!

 

[CasperOe]

Sorry mate, not sure why this post came three times! Working off an off shore installation with dodgy satellite internet..

 

[GARRIGA]

BRSTV has a ton of info on reef tanks. They have adopted “my first tank” series from a recent merger. There many questions are answered. I’d spend some time there and here before actually setting something up.

Reef Builder is another great source of information and have a series on setting up a reef in one day. Lots of useful information there.

Mr Saltwater has a similar series.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hello, I am setting up my first reef tank and I'm having some trouble with my kh. From what I understand I need a KH between 8-12 which translates to 150+ppm. My current ppm is 40 for KH. I am using instant ocean reef mix with RO water with 0kh and 0tds. From my understanding the RO water should completely match the reef mix which is supposedly in the 8-12 range. So how could I be losing my buffering capacity? The solution is just as low before adding to aquarium.

FWIW, pure fresh water will have zero alkalinity.

 

[PeteFiglebee]

Hello, thank you for the responses. It turns out my test strips were giving inaccurate readings. I have switched to API liquid and my dkh is 11. I have been dosing a little bit to raise the alk but I will stop now that I know it's not low. I plan on keeping xenia, gsp, toadstool, and button polyps. Should I try to lower it before I add my corals or just let them lower it on their own and small water changes over time?

 

[GARRIGA]

Hello, thank you for the responses. It turns out my test strips were giving inaccurate readings. I have switched to API liquid and my dkh is 11. I have been dosing a little bit to raise the alk but I will stop now that I know it's not low. I plan on keeping xenia, gsp, toadstool, and button polyps. Should I try to lower it before I add my corals or just let them lower it on their own and small water changes over time?

Seachem Acid Buffer (sodium bisulphate) can lower it but your pH will be lowered as well although latter will be temporary. Good surface agitation or skimmer gas exchange will help. The dkh drop will be permanent. I prefer 9 because it gives me a buffer on both ends but many like running it at 7 to 8.