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alk levels

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by joshua.jebe, Jun 28, 2013.

  1. Jun 28, 2013 #1
    joshua.jebe "DIRTYLOO" AKA waterloo iowa 50703

    joshua.jebe Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    "DIRTYLOO" AKA waterloo iowa 50703
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    So i have been dosing to bring my alk levels up to the 8 range and very slowly i have been adding more soda solution to increase it as it was running consistently at 5.6 i was up to adding 4oz a day and it hasnt gotten above 6 for more than 12hrs. So any thoughts would be good. Cal is 475 mag is 1350 and nitrates were 0. I just dont want to over do it .


    Thanks guys
     
  2. Jun 28, 2013 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    How is the pH doing with the addition of the soda? And how are you adding the solution. Your calcium also seems a bit on the high side. Are you dosing anything for calcium?

    If your tank is using ALK that fast it might be time to look into dosing pumps to hold it stable. Dose several times a day, or even hourly. Works great, and takes the hassle out of manual dosing.


    Check out these calculators for how much you should be adding.


    http://www.ultimatereef.net/info/ca...lkcalc.php
     
  3. Jun 28, 2013 #3
    Zoobie Bondurant

    Zoobie Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I add sodium bicabonate from brs dailey to my tank to keep alk at 11 to 12. The thing I like about it is that it does not raise anything else. I have added 3 tablespoons at once and my fish and corals didn't get harmed. I have it down to just 1/2 tablespoon a day and it stays steady. My calcium was over 500 when i started. Its in range now. This is what worked for me.
     
  4. Jun 28, 2013 #4
    Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I would also suggest getting another water test performed to verify your test kits are accurate. AC&C would probably test it for you.


    Here is an article about creating your own 2-part alkalinity supplement with arm&hammer baking soda:


    http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/4/chemistry



     
  5. Jun 28, 2013 #5
    joshua.jebe "DIRTYLOO" AKA waterloo iowa 50703

    joshua.jebe Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I have beed dosing directly into the sump during the mid day light cycle. I am not dosing calcium and the ph is stable and none of the corals are pissed off. I have thought of getting a dosing pump but yet to pull the trigger.
     
  6. Jun 28, 2013 #6
    joshua.jebe "DIRTYLOO" AKA waterloo iowa 50703

    joshua.jebe Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I have beed dosing directly into the sump during the mid day light cycle. I am not dosing calcium and the ph is stable and none of the corals are pissed off. I have thought of getting a dosing pump but yet to pull the trigger.
     
  7. Jun 28, 2013 #7
    Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    As you increase alk your Ca and Mg (and all other cations) will decrease based on each of their respective pKe (solubility constant). The converse is true as well, addition of anions will decrease your caco3 concentration.
     
  8. Jun 29, 2013 #8
    joshua.jebe "DIRTYLOO" AKA waterloo iowa 50703

    joshua.jebe Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Maybee i will have to take a water sample to craig tomorrow to have him berify my results are correct. And i realized tonight that my dosing cup was 4tsp not 4 oz . I can visually see growth i just want to ease the pit in my stomach that im goffing something up or could be doing something better.

    Thanks for the info so far.
     
  9. Jun 30, 2013 #9
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Better to be slow and cautious than to try to do things quickly. It sounds like you are dosing about the right quantity it takes to maintain your alk. Now you just need to dose heavier to raise it to desired levels, then back off to hold that level.
     

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