lowering alkalinity

[william swann]

hey so my take is running at 10 dkh alkalinity right now but I want to get into more sps and doing research decided that it would be best to lower it to 7-8 dkh, any suggestions on how to do this I have a 40 breeder with 15 gallon sump. thanks in advance

 

[fishguy242]

hi can you post current pic of tank,age,calcium level?

 

[Fishingandreefing]

If your salt mix is lower in alk let say at around 8, you can do large water change and keep testing

 

[fishguy242]

you said in urchin post you have lots of coralline?? if left alone will will naturally drop ,just keep cal at 440-450

 

[william swann]

you said in urchin post you have lots of coralline?? if left alone will will naturally drop ,just keep cal at 440-450

no i am trying to let coraline grow out lol my calcium is 420 it is only like 2 months old because i upgraded from my 15 gallon which is not my refugium

 

[william swann]

If your salt mix is lower in alk let say at around 8, you can do large water change and keep testing

that’s not an option for me because i use reef crystals which is high in alk, so far reef crystals has provided enough elements so that i don’t have to dose right now but even when I do start dosing that only helps with adding to my parameters not reducing them, i do weekly water changes is the only way for me to lower alk switching salts?
thanks

 

[fishguy242]

yes i think just let alk fall ,keeping cal level stable you have corals in there they will use just monitor,your not that far away ,my guess 10 days ,w no water changes,prob adding calkeep us posted

 

[Waters]

that’s not an option for me because i use reef crystals which is high in alk, so far reef crystals has provided enough elements so that i don’t have to dose right now but even when I do start dosing that only helps with adding to my parameters not reducing them, i do weekly water changes is the only way for me to lower alk switching salts?
thanks

If you are using reef crystals, and you want a lower ALK, then you will need to switch salts. I use red sea blue with mixes up right about where your target numbers are.

 

[Xanthurum]

You can use muriatic acid to lower the Alk of the water you use for water changes. A little goes a long way and be sure to let it mix for several hours prior to doing the water change.

The other option is to do smaller water changes farther apart until it comes down naturally. I’ve seen several amazing SPS tanks that use IO or RC salt So you don’t need to switch if you don’t want to.

 

[EMeyer]

Yeah, lower the alk of your newly mixed water by adding muriatic (hydrochloric) acid. I use about 20 ml per 40 gal but I recommend running some alk tests the first time you mix it up, to make sure.

After adding the acid, bubble the water overnight. This restores the pH to normal levels.

Personally, to make a batch of water I add the water, then the salt, then the acid, and start bubbling right away. 24 hours later its ready to go. Really not difficult, as long as you remember to add the acid (corals dont like it when you forget and oops do a water change with crazy high alkalinity)

 

[92Miata]

that’s not an option for me because i use reef crystals which is high in alk, so far reef crystals has provided enough elements so that i don’t have to dose right now but even when I do start dosing that only helps with adding to my parameters not reducing them, i do weekly water changes is the only way for me to lower alk switching salts?
thanks

Buy a bottle of sodium bisulfate from Loudwolf on amazon. It'll cost you about $15 for an amount that will treat thousands of gallons. It comes in a granule/micropellet form - so its way easier and safer to handle than muriatic acid.

2.25 grams in 5 gallons of 1.026 Reef Crystals will drop the alkalinity of your water change water to about 8.
(Actual formula is that 1.2 grams per 10l will drop alkalinity 2.8 dkh)

Sodium bisulfate will drop pH pretty drastically because the reaction releases CO2 - so you have to let the water mix/offgas for a couple hours.


As for the tank itself - just let it come down on its own - keep doing your water changes with your now 8 dkh RC, and let the coraline/biological process/etc work.

 

[X-37B]

Buy a bottle of sodium bisulfate from Loudwolf on amazon. It'll cost you about $15 for an amount that will treat thousands of gallons. It comes in a granule/micropellet form - so its way easier and safer to handle than muriatic acid.

2.25 grams in 5 gallons of 1.026 Reef Crystals will drop the alkalinity of your water change water to about 8.
(Actual formula is that 1.2 grams per 10l will drop alkalinity 2.8 dkh)

Sodium bisulfate will drop pH pretty drastically because the reaction releases CO2 - so you have to let the water mix/offgas for a couple hours.


As for the tank itself - just let it come down on its own - keep doing your water changes with your now 8 dkh RC, and let the coraline/biological process/etc work.

This is what I use.
Just get a strong powerhead in your mixing container and test alk and monitor ph.
A little goes a long way.
I use much less but im only lowering alk from 9.6 to 7.

 

[william swann]

thank you for all of your advice it is really really helpful!

 

[fishguy242]

careful if you use acid ,do not inhale,get on hands ,vapors in closed area

 

[william swann]

careful if you use acid ,do not inhale,get on hands ,vapors in closed area

got it thanks