What is your alkalinity at?

Discussion in '3reef Site Polls' started by Matt Rogers, Jan 22, 2006.

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What is your alkalinity at?

  1. 2 meq/L

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. 3 meq/L

    6 vote(s)
    33.3%
  3. 4 meq/L

    9 vote(s)
    50.0%
  4. 5 meq/L

    3 vote(s)
    16.7%
  1. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    I've been fussing over my alkalinity lately.. trying to get it up in the 4 meq/L range.

    What is yours at?
    What do you do to keep it there?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2004
    Messages:
    3,531
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    You know...i probably should know what it is...but i dont...:(
     
  4. Diver_1298

    Diver_1298 Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2004
    Messages:
    1,268
    Location:
    Lakeland, Fl
    Arm & Hammer baking soda. Cheap and easy!


    Jim
     
  5. Diver_1298

    Diver_1298 Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2004
    Messages:
    1,268
    Location:
    Lakeland, Fl
    For systems with a pH of 8.2 or above Baking Soda is a good choice

    To raise 50 gallons of tank water by 1 meq/L will require about 16 grams of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate; sodium hydrogencarbonate). Since a level teaspoon of baking soda weighs just under 6 grams, then 1 teaspoon will raise the alkalinity in that 50 gallons by ~0.4 meq/L (~1 dKH).

    http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
    My favorite aquarium chemistry link


    Jim
     
  6. kb.bear

    kb.bear Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 17, 2005
    Messages:
    414
    Location:
    Riverside, RI
    I don't fuss, for some strange reason it balances out on its own the only reason I knew it was at 5 was you got me thinking. normally (and I am not saying this is good but it works for me ) using 2 part I push the ca and alk to the point of precipitation then back off for a couple of days
     
  7. Blade_Runner

    Blade_Runner Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2004
    Messages:
    851
    Location:
    Carpentersville, IL
    I need a 350 button, but am pushing for 400 too.