low ph and high alk questions

seamas · 05/03/2006, 08:42 PM

I've been trying to raise my pH (7.8) with kalk. however, when I do raise it to 8-8.1, the alk is greater than 12. Is there any way around this. I'm not using any other supplements/reactors. Thanks.

jarvisnake · 05/03/2006, 09:54 PM

Try Seachem reef buffer, I ran into the same thing recently, and this is mixed to raise pH more than it raises alk.

seamas · 05/03/2006, 10:37 PM

thanks for the help. are you using kalk or a calcium reactor in addition to the reef buffer. also are you using it as a part of your topoff or just in your water changes.

Kurt03 · 05/03/2006, 10:56 PM

im wondering if you have a c02 problem?

seamas · 05/04/2006, 12:10 AM

the room is well ventilated, but who knows?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/04/2006, 06:21 AM

A buffer (like the Seachem buffer) is definitely a less desirable way to go than is limewater/kalkwasser. It will raise alkalinity a lot more than limewater for a given pH boost.

You certainly have excess CO2, and apparently so much so that it is hard to get the ph up enough without the alkalinity going to the high side. Personally, I'd be happier with an alkalinity of 12 dKH and pH 8.0 to 8.1 than a lower pH and alkalinity.

That said, bringing in fresher air may also be a good option. The article below gives some tests to diagnose if the air itself has excess CO2.

This article has more:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

05/03/2006, 08:42 PM	#1
seamas Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 45	low ph and high alk questions I've been trying to raise my pH (7.8) with kalk. however, when I do raise it to 8-8.1, the alk is greater than 12. Is there any way around this. I'm not using any other supplements/reactors. Thanks.

05/04/2006, 06:21 AM	#6
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	A buffer (like the Seachem buffer) is definitely a less desirable way to go than is limewater/kalkwasser. It will raise alkalinity a lot more than limewater for a given pH boost. You certainly have excess CO2, and apparently so much so that it is hard to get the ph up enough without the alkalinity going to the high side. Personally, I'd be happier with an alkalinity of 12 dKH and pH 8.0 to 8.1 than a lower pH and alkalinity. That said, bringing in fresher air may also be a good option. The article below gives some tests to diagnose if the air itself has excess CO2. This article has more: Low pH: Causes and Cures http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/03/2006, 09:54 PM	#2
jarvisnake Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2	Try Seachem reef buffer, I ran into the same thing recently, and this is mixed to raise pH more than it raises alk.

05/03/2006, 10:37 PM	#3
seamas Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 45	thanks for the help. are you using kalk or a calcium reactor in addition to the reef buffer. also are you using it as a part of your topoff or just in your water changes.

05/03/2006, 10:56 PM	#4
Kurt03 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,602	im wondering if you have a c02 problem?

05/04/2006, 12:10 AM	#5
seamas Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 45	the room is well ventilated, but who knows?