alk levels

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.