cal ph alk ?????

so have been checking my systems and decied to check my 36 gal tank. well readings have me confused.
ph 8.4
cal 460
alk 4 dkh<------ I checked this twice.


so if I want to raise my alk it will throw my ph way off.
If I raise alk over 4 days or so will ph still raise or will this just level out.
I have read over things and want to correct but don't know how I should go about doing so. Please help.

 

Is the test reading it in meq / l? If so you are ok. That's about 11.2 dkh

SaltyZoo's Alkalinity Reading Conversion (meq/l / dKH / ppm CaCO3) Utility

check out this calculator for converting it.

 

that is dkh sorry which is very low

 

Wow, that is low. Yes I would spread it out over 4 to 5 days. Also what kind of salt are you using? Test the dkh on a fresh mix and try some small water changes to bring it back up also.

 

I would get a second opinion before you do anything. Could just be that your test kit is expired. Luna

 

brand spanken new kit plus all other tanks in line. just 36 out of wack. same salt in 75 and that is all in line.

 

so while raising will 4 to 5 days affect ph or will that be thrown off also

 

It will level out and raising your alk will also help maintain a stable PH. Which is weird your PH is stable? low alk can cause your PH to be not stable. What is your new salt mix test at? I knew a guy by me that was using Oceanic Salt and it had a low Alk. This link below might help you in bringing it up

Reef Chemistry Calculator

 

I have been using the calculator and this is telling me that ph will be higher and staying at 8.4 would be perfect so I don't want higher ph. that is why I turned to forum. Actualy retested and it is at 6 dkh now. which is not as bad but still not ideal. my other tank is doing great
400 ppm cal
9 dkh
8.4 ph
That is why this has me dumfounded.

 

Im curious to know what is your Mag at? Luna