Lowering dkh

[lilfish717]

What are some things I can do to lower alk besides Rodi water. I do plan on getting a Rodi system here soon but would like some things until then. I see all these things to raise* alk, but after searching for awhile I can't seem to find anything to lower alk. My dkh is currently 12.8. I run a higher nutrient system...but this is too high for me. I would like it to be around 9.5dkh. My tap water is 12dkh. Curious as to how it went up from the base also and as to why all my lps aren't consuming any? Thanks in advance.

 

[GoVols]

Curious as to how it went up from the base also and as to why all my lps aren't consuming any? Thanks in advance.

If your lowered your nitrates your alk can go up.

 

[lilfish717]

If your lowered your nitrates your alk can go up.

Yes, for some reason nitrates have been going down and down. Not sure why. It's a good thing considering ever since I started my system up until about a month ago I have been fighting nitrates over 60 ppm. I also added some chaeto last week and haven't tested anything besides alk and nitrites since then.

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Muriatic acid will reduce alkalinity but you should not do it in the tank. Do it to your water change water. I would wait a day or so before using the water as the acid will drop ph. Letting it run for 24 to 36 hours will allow it to come back up. I've been doing this for about a month as BRS sent me the wrong salt by mistake and the alk is 12dkh. I keep my tank at 8.4 so I use the acid to lower the alk down then let it run a day before using. No problems so far.

 

[GoVols]

I also added some chaeto last week and haven't tested anything besides alk and nitrites since then.

Maybe your cheato is in-taking your nitrates.

 

[lilfish717]

Muriatic acid will reduce alkalinity but you should not do it in the tank. Do it to your water change water. I would wait a day or so before using the water as the acid will drop ph. Letting it run for 24 to 36 hours will allow it to come back up. I've been doing this for about a month as BRS sent me the wrong salt by mistake and the alk is 12dkh. I keep my tank at 8.4 so I use the acid to lower the alk down then let it run a day before using. No problems so far.

Some helpful advice. I like how you told me how to do it. Now what is this acid your talking about and where do I get it? :madscientist:

 

[lilfish717]

Maybe your cheato is in-taking your nitrates.

I am about to test to find this out. It would be great if it is.

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Some helpful advice. I like how you told me how to do it. Now what is this acid your talking about and where do I get it? :madscientist

Home depot, pool store Wal-Mart. Any place that sells pool stuff.
I found that it takes .5ml per gallon of acid to drop 11.5 to 12dkh down to around 8.5ish. It's not very much per gallon is my basic warning.

 

[lilfish717]

Home depot, pool store Wal-Mart. Any place that sells pool stuff.
I found that it takes .5ml per gallon of acid to drop 11.5 to 12dkh down to around 8.5ish. It's not very much per gallon is my basic warning.

What brand do you use. I'm pretty sure this is the stuff that is in your vomit. In other words I can puke in my tank to lower dkh. Haha

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

HDX the home depot brand. Comes in a 2 gallon pack for about 12$. It's way more than you need but easier than measuring vomit, lol.

 

[lilfish717]

HDX the home depot brand. Comes in a 2 gallon pack for about 12$. It's way more than you need but easier than measuring vomit, lol.

Will do. I've been look for something to lower dkh for awhile now. Very much appreciated. Now to figure out how to lower nitrates again because I tested and they're out the roof again. :facepalm:

 

[beaslbob]

Yes, for some reason nitrates have been going down and down. Not sure why. It's a good thing considering ever since I started my system up until about a month ago I have been fighting nitrates over 60 ppm. I also added some chaeto last week and haven't tested anything besides alk and nitrites since then.

get those nitrates down then worry about the alk.

Once the nitrates are down study and implement the improved diy two part system. If dkh is still high after lowering nitrates, dosing calcium will bring dky down. Once the parameters are where you want them then just dose calcium/alk when alk drops.

my .02

edit Your system operating at one month is still too 'young' to worry about alk. once it is balanced out and stabilized with low nitrates/phosphates, alk may just get in line all by itself.