Using kalk to raise ph...

[Mike in CT]

Hi everyone,
My ph has always been on the low side (7.8) but pretty stable. Now a couple times I have checked it it has been 7.6 so I want to bump it up a bit. I have a 75 with a 29g sump. Mostly softies and a few LPS. Is it still ok to add kalk to my top off (I go thru about a gallon top off a day) even though I don't have much besides coraline using it? I have been adding about 2 teaspoons per gallon as of this week because I didn't want to shock anything. Would it be ok to bump it up a little? Is there something else that would be a better choice?When does low ph start effecting corals? My softies do ok but I never get Sps growth.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[tonizzy22]

Kalk raises alk, pH, and Ca at the same time. Saturated Kalk water has a Ca level of 800ppm an alkalinity of 115 dKH and a pH of 12.5. Soda ash raises dKH and ph. So depending on your calcium levels and uptake, soda ash may be better. Soda ash = baked baking soda. If your alkalinity is fine it may be due to a build up of CO2 in your house. You may need to route your skimmer air hose outside.

 

[heathd.hd]

From what I understand 2 tsp per gallon is as much as will mix in your water.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You should only use it as an alkalinity supplement (and calcium), and it has the side benefit of boosting pH.

DO NOT determine the dose based on pH.