Raising alkalinity

[smcquary]

I am working to get my water parameters in line to start adding coral and my alk is low at 7.3. I have esv b ionic 2 part and calcium in tank is fine
Should I just start dosing the alk only until it levels out? How high should I ideally get it for lps? How quickly can I increase it? Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

7.3 dKH is fine, but if you want to raise it you can. 8 dKH is fine. I recommend 7-11 dKH.

Use both parts of the B-ionic equally, even when calcium is "fine" (you'll hardly notice any rise), and use this calculator to determine how much to get to whatever goal you want. 1 dKH per day rise is a fine rate of boost. If you have no corals, boost it as fast as you want.

Reef Chemistry Calculator
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

 

[smcquary]

Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

 

[Ross Petersen]

7.3 dKH is fine, but if you want to raise it you can. 8 dKH is fine. I recommend 7-11 dKH.

Use both parts of the B-ionic equally, even when calcium is "fine" (you'll hardly notice any rise), and use this calculator to determine how much to get to whatever goal you want. 1 dKH per day rise is a fine rate of boost. If you have no corals, boost it as fast as you want.

Reef Chemistry Calculator
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

Hey Randy! Old thread here, but came across this intriguing point. I'm using Tropic Marine salt that mixes to 7.0 dKH but run my display tank at 8.5 dKH. What do you recommend I add to the newly mixed saltwater to get it to 8.5 dKH before adding to the DT? My research suggests sodium carbonate may be best given my pH runs around 7.8-7.9.

If I dose sodium carbonate to a new batch of saltwater, I gather this will increase precipitation? Is this why you suggest co-dosing calcium?

Perhaps there's an article out there on this... I'm on the hunt...