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10/16/2017, 09:09 AM | #1 |
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Location: NJ
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11.2 Alkalinity with a 7.8 PH?
Hi guys,
My tank has been running for about 4 months and I'm to the point where I'd like to start stocking it with LPS corals. I wanted to get the tank stabilized at 400 ppm calcium, so I started a kalkwasser drip. The best I could get was 340ppm with an alk of 10.2. SO, I started adding B-ionic 2 part in the recommended dosing of 1 ml for each 4 gallons of tank water. When I tested yesterday, I had an Alk of 11.2 , PH of 8.0 and calcium of 400PPM. I immediately stopped the Kalk drip and I want to regroup. As soon as I stopped the Kalk drip, PH dropped and stabilized at 7.80 ?? ***? What is my best plan to try getting this stabilized again? (target 400ppm calcium, Alk 8-10ish, and PH 8.00-8.20? I just ordered a magnesium test kit and B ionic magnesium additive, BTW. |
10/16/2017, 09:24 AM | #2 |
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Location: North Carolina
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Just use the calcium component of the B-Ionic to get to the starting level you want..
Or the alkalinity component to get to the starting level of that.. Then you can use kalk to maintain both.. Kalk isn't intended to achieve starting levels but only as maintenance dosing to maintain levels.. Its not for raising/lowering a single parameter like that as it includes both parts..
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Who me? |
10/16/2017, 09:51 AM | #3 |
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Agree with mcgyvr. Use the Ca component only in this case. Drs foster and smith, bulk reef supply, etc also sell anhydrous CaCl. Dose to 400pppm (or even 450).
THEN, start either using kalk or 2part as directed. Oh, and quit worrying about (and even testing for) pH.
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Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers |
10/16/2017, 11:55 AM | #4 |
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Location: Mountain View, CA, USA
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I agree that dosing only calcium should let the alkalinity level drop. It's probably safe as is, in any case. That pH (7.8) is typical for a house with the windows shut, and it's fine. A lot of Tanks of the Month have run at that level.
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Jonathan Bertoni |
10/17/2017, 06:04 AM | #5 |
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Thanks for the advice. Since I stopped dosing Kalk, the PH has stabilized at 8.0. I'll continue dosing the calcium portion of the 2 part and monitor Alk.
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10/17/2017, 03:42 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mountain View, CA, USA
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You're welcome! 8.0 for pH is good for a tank in a house.
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Jonathan Bertoni |
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