Alk driving me crazy

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by ranger2806, May 23, 2009.

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  1. ranger2806

    ranger2806 Fire Shrimp

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    my cal is high like 540
     
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  3. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    Your dKH will drop faster than the Mg or the Ca. Just be aware. I have to adjust mine weekly, while Mg is monthly at most and Ca is every two weeks.
     
  4. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    And that Ca, as you mentioned, is high. Watch for precipitation. I don't think it's high enough to do that yet, but you do not want it any higher certainly.
     
  5. ranger2806

    ranger2806 Fire Shrimp

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    what is precipitation and what does it look like?
     
  6. ranger2806

    ranger2806 Fire Shrimp

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    how much will 1tbls per 20gal raise the alk
     
  7. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

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    It depends on your tank make up but generally speaking, it should raise it about 1 dkh or so. The high cal is bringing the dkh down. Allow the cal to re-establish to 450-500. Precipitation is when the cal "falls out" of solution and causes what we refer to as the "snow ball" effect and you get little white flakes floating around.
     
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  9. REEFer man

    REEFer man Plankton

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    dont add baking soda. that will raise your pH rapidly and stress your inhabitants
     
  10. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

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    When an element precipitates, it will fall out of solution. It generally will look like your tank has flakes in the water, on the rocks, etc.
     
  11. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    That's the reason.
    Add a little baking soda and here's a good read on the subject.
    Chemistry and the Aquarium
     
  12. ranger2806

    ranger2806 Fire Shrimp

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    very good web site. has alot of info, thanks