need to lower alk

[Leko]

How can I lower alk? Test kit is fine - it works. Did a big water change..etc

Muriatic acid? Vinegar?

 

[AScientificReefer]

What kind of salt are you using and whats your alk at?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Definitely not vinegar. We have recipe threads for lowering alk, but before linking them let’s be sure it is needed, and why,

 

[Leko]

Definitely not vinegar. We have recipe threads for lowering alk, but before linking them let’s be sure it is needed, and why,


My alk is about 16. I was adding Baking Soda to increase the alk slightly , bumped the box while doing so....it fell in.

Did a 30% water change...still high

 

[AScientificReefer]

Definitely not vinegar. We have recipe threads for lowering alk, but before linking them let’s be sure it is needed, and why,


My alk is about 16. I was adding Baking Soda to increase the alk slightly , bumped the box while doing so....it fell in.

Did a 30% water change...still high

Oh geez yeah Id do large water changes weekly even or an emergency 70%

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You can lower alk in water change water to very low/zero. That is safer than doing it in the main tank, due to the big pH drop, but you can do it there too.

Here’s the bisulfate recipe:

Sodium Bisulfate to Reduce Alkalinity in New Salt Water or in Display Tanks

I just want to record these calculations in their own thread to refer back to in other threads. When alkalinity is too high in new salt water or in a display tank, acid can be used to lower the alkalinity. You can easily use muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid), or sodium bifulfate (e.g...

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