loading phosphate reactor?

Vauche · 08/08/2008, 09:31 PM

Ok, I'm sure this is a silly question but I have to ask.

I'm using Pura Phoslock. The directions say 1tbs to 20G for reef for 1 month. Now I'm using a reactor so my question is can I put more than 1 month in the reactor? This is the maiden voyage so I am a little worried about lowering my ALK as it is already a little on the low side.

Second question is in consideration to the above. If my ALK goes even lower, currently at 7.4 -8 how can I increase it if my pH is already running 8.33-8.5 in the evenings (lights off time)? I'm thinking baking soda but I want to be sure.

Thanks for any info you can give me.

seapug · 08/08/2008, 09:50 PM

I use a full dose of th TLf PhosBan in he reactor on my 90 gallon. If you are having alkalinity problems, use this site to figure out how to correct it:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

Aquarist007 · 08/08/2008, 09:51 PM

To raise you alk you could use Kent Super DkH--it will have little impact on the pH

Aquarist007 · 08/08/2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vauche
Ok, I'm sure this is a silly question but I have to ask.

I'm using Pura Phoslock. The directions say 1tbs to 20G for reef for 1 month. Now I'm using a reactor so my question is can I put more than 1 month in the reactor? This is the maiden voyage so I am a little worried about lowering my ALK as it is already a little on the low side.

Second question is in consideration to the above. If my ALK goes even lower, currently at 7.4 -8 how can I increase it if my pH is already running 8.33-8.5 in the evenings (lights off time)? I'm thinking baking soda but I want to be sure.

Thanks for any info you can give me.

You should change it out after the first month of operation--using more will just waste it

Vauche · 08/08/2008, 09:59 PM

Well then 1 month it will be, just doesn't seem like a lot. Expected vs. reality- often very different.

mixed_reefer · 08/08/2008, 10:31 PM

Plain arm and hammer baking soda will raise alk without raising pH, it may actually lower it a little short term. The calculator you were linked to is an indispensable tool, bookmark it.

Vauche · 08/08/2008, 10:58 PM

Cool, that's what I thought but wanted to double check, just in case!

Aquarist007 · 08/09/2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mixed_reefer
Plain arm and hammer baking soda will raise alk without raising pH, it may actually lower it a little short term. The calculator you were linked to is an indispensable tool, bookmark it.

you are correct--that is why I didn't suggest using it--because it does affect pH a little

08/08/2008, 09:31 PM	#1
Vauche Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 340	loading phosphate reactor? Ok, I'm sure this is a silly question but I have to ask. I'm using Pura Phoslock. The directions say 1tbs to 20G for reef for 1 month. Now I'm using a reactor so my question is can I put more than 1 month in the reactor? This is the maiden voyage so I am a little worried about lowering my ALK as it is already a little on the low side. Second question is in consideration to the above. If my ALK goes even lower, currently at 7.4 -8 how can I increase it if my pH is already running 8.33-8.5 in the evenings (lights off time)? I'm thinking baking soda but I want to be sure. Thanks for any info you can give me.

08/08/2008, 09:50 PM	#2
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	I use a full dose of th TLf PhosBan in he reactor on my 90 gallon. If you are having alkalinity problems, use this site to figure out how to correct it: http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

08/08/2008, 09:51 PM	#3
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	To raise you alk you could use Kent Super DkH--it will have little impact on the pH __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

08/08/2008, 09:59 PM	#5
Vauche Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 340	Well then 1 month it will be, just doesn't seem like a lot. Expected vs. reality- often very different.

08/08/2008, 10:31 PM	#6
mixed_reefer Moved On Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 516	Plain arm and hammer baking soda will raise alk without raising pH, it may actually lower it a little short term. The calculator you were linked to is an indispensable tool, bookmark it.

08/08/2008, 10:58 PM	#7
Vauche Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 340	Cool, that's what I thought but wanted to double check, just in case!