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Low Alkalinity

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Cameron, Nov 21, 2018.

  1. Nov 21, 2018 #1
    Cameron Urbandale, IA

    Cameron

    93
    Urbandale, IA
    Ratings:
    +29 / 0 / -0
    Hello All - My 2yr old tank (14g Biocube, w/3 zoas and a duncan) has developed to the point of consistently having low KH (5-6 dKH) and Mg (1360). My other parameters are fine with pH 8-2-8.4 and Calcium 420. I do 2g/10day water changes, and dosing with microbe-lift complete, which I won at springfest but finally run out.

    As my tank matures and I add more corals, any thoughts on boosting my KH & Mg and keeping my pH and Calcium in balance.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2018
  2. Nov 21, 2018 #2
    Pygmey Cedar Rapids, IA

    Pygmey Well-Known ReefKeeper

    751
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +119 / 1 / -0
    What kind of salt?
     
  3. Nov 21, 2018 #3
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I would start with kalkwasser in the top off and see how that keeps up with demand.
    Super simple and cheap place to start.
     
  4. Nov 22, 2018 #4
    Actuary Adel, IA

    Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    Baking soda is another super cheap option for alk. Mg at 1360 isn't an issue.
     
  5. Nov 22, 2018 #5
    Cameron Urbandale, IA

    Cameron

    93
    Urbandale, IA
    Ratings:
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    Reef Crystals
     
  6. Nov 22, 2018 #6
    Cameron Urbandale, IA

    Cameron

    93
    Urbandale, IA
    Ratings:
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    I'm not using a ATO. Would I add it when I do my water change? Do I need to be concerned with a sudden shift in my water parameters? Same goes when I use baking soda?
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2018
  7. Nov 22, 2018 #7
    Deleted member 1172

    Deleted member 1172 Guest

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    Dude you gotta get an ATO then! Totally worth the cash. BRS has a nano osmollator for super cheap right now. The you can add kalk to your ATO. You probably will only need about 1 tsp per 5 gal to start. Be conservative with it. The more stable, especially with alk, the better. I agree, your mag and calcium levels are fine. Dont worry much about dosing bacterial stuff. Also try not chase numbers. Just be consistent with dosing and water changes yo.
     
  8. Nov 22, 2018 #8
    Fred Johnston, IA

    Fred

    147
    Johnston, IA
    Ratings:
    +37 / 0 / -0
    I used baking soda in past for a 20 gal to raise kh. I think brs even has a calculator to help the amount of dosage.
     
  9. Nov 23, 2018 #9
    Waterrat41 Des moines

    Waterrat41 Addicted Reefer GIRS Member

    297
    Des moines
    Ratings:
    +147 / 1 / -0
    FYI - Baking soda, AKA sodium bicarbonate
     
  10. Nov 24, 2018 #10
    Actuary Adel, IA

    Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    Yup. $7.49 for 13.5 pounds at Costco. That lasts me roughly a year in my 400g tank.
     
  11. Nov 26, 2018 #11
    Cameron Urbandale, IA

    Cameron

    93
    Urbandale, IA
    Ratings:
    +29 / 0 / -0
    Well it seems like baking soda it is. I'll give it a whirl. Thanks for all the advice.
     
  12. Nov 26, 2018 #12
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    check the dosing calculators on BRS for starting points.
    With a small tank like yours dose slow and start on the conservative side. Big alk swings will mess up a tank pretty quick.
     

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