low alk

I've been using B-ionic for about 3 months now. I can't seem to get my alk above 4 dkh. My calcium is running about 450-500. If I add too much of the alk the PH gets too high (around 8.6/7). I've stabilized the PH to a 8,3-8.5 depending on the time of day. Is it alright with the alk at this level (4 dkh)? BTW in my 30 gal I add 5mil of the alk, and 10 mil of the calc daily.

thanx
Mark

[Birdlady]

Hello zaboAA!

Welcome to 3Reef! It costs nothing to join so please consider! We have lots of fun here!

Here is a link detailing the chemistry you are referring to

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

B-ionic is not really meant to increase anything...it is mostly to help maintain levels once achieved. According to the article, I would lower the calcium a bit...and I think it recommends using washing soda to raise Alk without raising pH. There are some comments regarding the type of washing soda tho. Check it out ...it has helped me several times!

[JohnO]

4dKh? Are you sure? Thats only 1.4 meq/l

I was just wondering if you have the dKh and the meq/l the wrong way around :-)

John

[Birdlady]

Good Point there JohnO!