$*&$#%$ alk

[seank]

PH is at 8.6 , yet my alk is at 6-7. Used to run it between 9 and 12. What do I need to add to get the ALK up and the PH down??

Come gurus, some help here

 

[Nur]

i used bicarb, have you checked calcium and Mg?

 

[FransSny]

Sean , did this just happen , or did you make changes ?

 

[viper357]

What is your magnesium like? If you have low Magnesium you will battle to maintain higher levels of Calcium and Alkalinity. Maintain MG at between 1200 and 1400ppm.

 

[rakabos]

Yep check Mg

 

[viper357]

Also, what are you using to increase your alk? Do you use kalk? Kalk increases ph and if you're overdosing kalk to increase alk then that may bump up your ph, although a ph of 8.6 is fine, close to the limit but still ok, what are you using to measure your ph? How accurate is it? Also need to know your CA reading.

 

[seank]

Maintain MG at between 1200 and 1400ppm.

Ahhh, me think this is the problem

Also need to know your CA reading.

CA is at 440

Frans, dunno, 1st time I checked since July last year

 

[Adee]

PH is at 8.6

Nothing wrong with that, though I will ask...when last u calibrated your PH probe?

my alk is at 6-7. Used to run it between 9 and 12. What do I need to add to get the ALK up

If you struggling to keep it above 9...why is that you want it in that range. If your dosing regime find its easier to maintain it at 7...then why don't just keep it there?
My sytems alk range it 6.5 - 7.5 on average....and I test this at least 6 times a week. Natural seawaters Alk is around 7dkh.

 

[seank]

why is that you want it in that range

Out of experience in my own tank, I saw that if maintained at higher level, Algae does not become a nuisance, and Coraline grows better

 

[mandarinman]

Your carbonates may be too high in relation to your bicarbonates.

 

[mandarinman]

pushing ph up?!

 

[Ridwaan]

Why dont you then dose kalk?