alkalinity????

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by charlie26, Jan 23, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. charlie26

    charlie26 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2008
    Messages:
    104
    Location:
    cedar falls IA
    apparently my alk is off the charts because the API test only shows up to 12 drops but i had to use 14. so how is it i lower my alk. i raise it with a buffer right? my pH is 8.4, my temp is 78, my sg is 1.024, my my ammonia is 0.25, my nitrate is zero, i have been cycling for about two weeks. i have a 34 gallon with 30 lbs of substrate and 40 lbs of live rock but no livestock except for about a dozen bristleworms, and a few baby starfish. is there something i should be doing. any advice would be nice. thanks
     
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2003
    Messages:
    5,538
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC,Canada
    Alk will drop naturally just stop using any buffers. If your still in the cycle stage I would not be adding anything to the tank like addatives or buffers. Just watch the Ammonia and nitrate do there thing.

    J
     
    Jason McKenzie, Jan 23, 2009
    Jason McKenzie, Jan 23, 2009
    #2
  3. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Messages:
    2,964
    Location:
    Clinton Township, Michigan
    Hi, I use API and you count the number of drops and whatever that is that is the DKH. 14 drops = 14 DKH. That is not off the scales. A little high but not frightening. Are you adding anything to the tank? Alk may not fall on its' own. Calc may need adjusting.
     
    unclejed, Jan 23, 2009
    unclejed, Jan 23, 2009
    #3
  4. charlie26

    charlie26 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2008
    Messages:
    104
    Location:
    cedar falls IA
    i added red sea coral buffer when i first started the tank 2 weeks ago but since then i havent added anything. i'll check the calcium real quick and i'll get back to you.
     
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    #4
  5. charlie26

    charlie26 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2008
    Messages:
    104
    Location:
    cedar falls IA
    it was 550 ppm for the calcium test. thats pretty high right.
     
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    charlie26, Jan 23, 2009
    #5
  6. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Messages:
    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    Do nothing and your calcium and alkalinity will come down.
     
    coral reefer, Jan 23, 2009
    coral reefer, Jan 23, 2009
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2006
    Messages:
    5,644
    Location:
    Va/Ct
    Seltzer/soda water is a very safe and fast way to lower these in a emergency, But not much would be harmed in the system this new , I myself try to keep my Calcium at 500 and DKH at 13 to 15 . This will help to keep pest algaes in control all but Bryopsis Penneta :) Hair and cyanos do not far well in the water at these levels and the hard corals love it..
     
    Tangster, Jan 24, 2009
    Tangster, Jan 24, 2009
    #7
  8. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Messages:
    2,964
    Location:
    Clinton Township, Michigan
    Yes, high and bordering on too high. That explains the Alk. I believe in letting the tank adjust itself over time (since nothing is in peril now) since adjusting any parameter should be done slowly over time. Keep track weekly of your parameters (including Mag) and note the reduction rates and this will help you determine the dosing schedule later when they fall below the accepted ranges.
     
    unclejed, Jan 24, 2009
    unclejed, Jan 24, 2009
    #8