Buffer
- Thread starter Warr7207
- Start date
I don't have a clue what "triple buffer" is - could you please elaborate?
Plain common koeksoda (bicarbonate of soda) available from any Pick&Pay or chemist. I normally use Buffalo brand because of the plastic bottles it comes in, but Robertson's works just as well
Depending on you tank's pH, you should either use it "as is" (if the tank's pH is normal to high), or pre bake the bicarb in a glass or ceramic dish in an oven at 180 °C for 1-2 hours and then use it if the tank's pH usually runs low (as most tanks do...).
It's not a good thing to only add buffer, though (be it commercial or DIY) - for long term ionic balance you should also add calcium chloride, available from a chemist or something like "Kent's turbo calcium to maintain the correct calcium:alkalinity ratio.
Hennie
good explination Hennie! However, If budget, calcification and consumption rates is not too high, I would recommend making the following two stock solutions for calcium and alkalinity: (a lot more balanced than just bicarb and calcium chloride)
Use 297gramms of seachem reef builder in 3.8 litres of ro/di water and 197gramms of seachem reef advantage calcium in 3.8 litres of ro/di. Add 38 ml of each to raise your alk by 1dkh and your calcium by 7ppm per 100 litres of tank volume.
Use 297gramms of seachem reef builder in 3.8 litres of ro/di water and 197gramms of seachem reef advantage calcium in 3.8 litres of ro/di. Add 38 ml of each to raise your alk by 1dkh and your calcium by 7ppm per 100 litres of tank volume.
Quite correct, Ivan - and excellent advice. One could go one step further with DIY additives, though, and add magnesium as well (as I do
) - then the major ions are all balanced, or rather close to it...I will post the recipe on this thread soon.
Hennie
Would you introduce this to the system as per drip or reactor ?
Warr - I know that Alan mixes bicarb of soda and carbonate soda, in a 2 to 1 ratio. If I understood correctly, he uses 2 tablespoons of bicarb to one tablespoon of carbonate of soda.
I am not so exact in my measurements - I go by the "feel of things" - not that my tank is yet one of the best around - but I am getting there.....
Now - If I could only get rid of the aptaisia and "grass" in my tank - I too would have a tank that everyone "oooohss" and 'aaahhhhss" about ;-)
I am not so exact in my measurements - I go by the "feel of things" - not that my tank is yet one of the best around - but I am getting there.....
Now - If I could only get rid of the aptaisia and "grass" in my tank - I too would have a tank that everyone "oooohss" and 'aaahhhhss" about ;-)
Yopu do have a "oooohss" and 'aaahhhhss" tank, everyone comments on your monster nemmie. And other than your solvable problems it is a good looking tank
Would you introduce this to the system as per drip or reactor ?
For small increases, up to 1.5 dkh per day, i would slowly pour into area of high flow, but anything more I would drip into system slowly, at least 30 minutes apart for each part.
For small increases, up to 1.5 dkh per day, i would slowly pour into area of high flow, but anything more I would drip into system slowly, at least 30 minutes apart for each part.
Yeah i use 2 teaspoons bicarb and i teaspoon carbonate[washing soda] everyday but please remember this is in 2500L of water with a fairly heavily stacked system. Jacques dont be down on yourself about your system you are suffering problems most of us suffer with only difference is you have the courage to post pics.
I am waiting to see Hennies recipe and would recommend if going the DIY route to do the same.
I am waiting to see Hennies recipe and would recommend if going the DIY route to do the same.
Alan, would you say I could use this formula for smaller less stock tanks ?
I have 2 x LPS, 2 x sps frags, and loads of softies and tubeworms.
I would divide your numbers by 6. 400l tank or should I dose your amounts but only once a week or every 6 days ?
You could, the best way to do this is by adding and then testing and watching the parameters so you know if you are under dosing or over dosing. Personally i prefer to do it on a daily basis so you don't have a massive rush of elements into the system and then they bottom out after a week and another rush. If done on a daily basis the system tends to be more stable with out large fluctuations.
It's been posted to the above-mentioned thread.