Raising pH- worth the trouble? also, test kit woes.

[GeejEx]

1) pH 8.0 - is it even worth bothering to baking soda the tank?

2) Alkalinity test from IO: the instructions read (paraphrased):

"Standard Test-
1. fill vial
2. add drops of reagent one drop at a time until sample turns yellow-green
3. Divide number of drops by 2 to obtain mEq/L"

"Precision Test-
1. fill vial
2. add drops of reagent one drop at a time until sample turns yellow-green
3. Divide number of drops by 4 to obtain mEq/L"
"mEq/L X 50 = ppm CaCo3"

Is it just me, or isn't it rather important to know whether the sample is 400ppm CaCO3 or 200ppm???

[missionsix66]

Here you go jesus. (your user-name looks like jesus). I can't help you with the test Q's, but, here's a killer link to parameters. Test kits are a pain in the ass. I wish I could just point a laser at my tank to get param. results. I feel your pain. My new mg kit is rediculous.Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
I've learned alot from this page.

[GeejEx]

Hah, well it is my Jesus Year.

Thanks for the link!

[Tangster]

Pure Baaking soda will lower P.H to a small degree over time once the carbonates are exhausted . The Sodium base containes Trifluoroacetic acid . But if you mix the bicarbonate with Borate at 4 parts B.Soda to 1 part Borate or Boraxo Laundry booster But at 8.00 is fine.. as long as the DKH or Alk or carbonate levels are good . And you have what Kents and Seachem sells for 1000 % mark up (: This mixuter is what I'vI always used to buffer water . I add 2 parts Boraxo myself to 4 parts Bicarbonate .

If you just want to boost P.H just use Washing Soda Arm and Hammer sells that also. But mix it with F/W first as it will cake up in saltwater a little.

[lunatik_69]

Tang is right about not to worry about ph. I've struggling with a low ph(in my mind) but my livestock is fine. If I reach 8.1 any time during the day, its a mircle. 7.7-7.8 is the norm for me before the lights turn on. During the day its usually at 7.9-8.0 and I've tried EVERYTHING. Luna