Ph and alk question

[Yclam]

I just tested my ph and alk this morning and they both seem low.
Ph is at 7.8 and all is at 5. What are your thoughts and how can I raise them safely. I don't own a dose pump. What are those parameters should be at?

 

[Reefer1978]

Alk should be higher, in the 8+ range. If you don't have a dosing pump I would dose small amounts of alk solution throughout the day, and look to invest into a dosing pump over time. Don't raise Alk by more then 1dkh per 24 hours.

Ph I wouldn't chase yet. 7.8 is ok. Also Ph is not a constant reading, you want to get your range, it's lowest when lights are off and higher at the peak when lights are full power. Ph depends on many factors past Alk, mainly ambient CO2 in your place of living.

 

[Yclam]

Alk should be higher, in the 8+ range. If you don't have a dosing pump I would dose small amounts of alk solution throughout the day, and look to invest into a dosing pump over time. Don't raise Alk by more then 1dkh per 24 hours.

Ph I wouldn't chase yet. 7.8 is ok. Also Ph is not a constant reading, you want to get your range, it's lowest when lights are off and higher at the peak when lights are full power. Ph depends on many factors past Alk, mainly ambient CO2 in your place of living.

What kind of solution should I be using? Is there a diy

 

[Reefer1978]

What kind of solution should I be using? Is there a diy

There are a few recipes on the forum in the chemistry section if you want to read up on it. I don't want to make a recommendation as I've never done it.

Bulk Reef Supply sells a kit which is relatively cheap and comes with everything you need: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2-pa...MImJKUjqig4wIViYbACh1tawNMEAQYAiABEgIYkPD_BwE

If you want something that's pre-mixed and ready to go look into b-ionic. 64oz kit is a good starting point. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/esv-b-ionic-calcium-buffer-system.html

 

[Yclam]

There are a few recipes on the forum in the chemistry section if you want to read up on it. I don't want to make a recommendation as I've never done it.

Bulk Reef Supply sells a kit which is relatively cheap and comes with everything you need: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2-pa...MImJKUjqig4wIViYbACh1tawNMEAQYAiABEgIYkPD_BwE

If you want something that's pre-mixed and ready to go look into b-ionic. 64oz kit is a good starting point. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/esv-b-ionic-calcium-buffer-system.html

Thank you for the info

 

[ryeguyy84]

Look up Randy's 2 part recipe. You bake baking soda. There's also pre mixed options like ATI

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/col...cts/ati-essentials-pro-complete-set-of-2-x-2l

If you are alk is really that low you should check your calcium and magnesium. Do you have any corals

 

[Yclam]

Look up Randy's 2 part recipe. You bake baking soda. There's also pre mixed options like ATI

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/col...cts/ati-essentials-pro-complete-set-of-2-x-2l

If you are alk is really that low you should check your calcium and magnesium. Do you have any corals

Only one hammer coral at the moment

 

[Bob Weigant]

All I do the raise my alk is add alittle each day. I test mine 2-3 a week to keep it in the 8-9 range

 

[lapin]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html