Alkalinity 34 meg/L, Calcium 350, ph 8.06...

[coralsandbar]

Here's the scenario,

I got my first calcium reactor from my buddy the other day at an absolute awesome deal (co2 tank, needle valve, pump, etc.).

I had planned to buy a calcium reactor for when I got a bigger tank. I asked my buddy (longtime ancient reefer) if I could hook up to my 50 reef. He said that was fine.

To make a long story short, I left the effluent line coming from reactor into tank instead of into a drip cup then into the tank.

My ph in my tank had dropped to 7.6 over the course of a week. I was worried but not too worried (Sprung says ph of 7.6 or 9 isn't bad but prevents calcification of corals).

I used proper ph 8.2 and occasionally seachem marine buffer (helps raise ph to 8.3 and also raises alk slightly by 1 meg/L.).

As a result trying to bring my ph up my alk has shot through the roof. Calcium was at 450 before Alk reached 34 meg/L now it is 350ppm.

The only marine buffer I could find that didn't raise alk too bad was the seachem marine buffer.

I have since done a 20% waterchange 3 days ago, (getting near my monthly waterchange).

My question is this. If I bring the Calcium up to say 450ppm will this help lower my Alk?

My corals looked fine at a ph of 7.6 and now still look fine at a ph of 8.06 and alk of 34 meg/L.

I may not be able to check your responses until Saturday or New Year's Eve.

Effluent on my calcium reactor is 6.56 ph.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rob

 

[jsteinman]

I don't know if this will help, but I added 15ml 5% Vinegar to 1/2 gln RO/DI water directly into my sump. Reason... Alk was at 18. Tested day and ahlf later and it is at 9.5... BUT my PH was at 8.7 and this also lowered it as well. Not sure if there is a way to use vinegar and keep PH from lowering... Any takers?

 

[coralsandbar]

Thanks 220 reefer for the quick reply!!! I'll have to see what else comes in. Makes sense though.

I wonder if I could do the same then use strictly Seachem buffer to keep ph in check.

If I don't get any other responses in the next few days I may just try.

Thanks for the personal advice and your results.

Rob

 

[jmeader]

Your PH is being suppressed by the excess CO2 that you are dripping into the tank. You can't compensate for that much CO2 with extra buffer. You wind up having the problems that you now have plus imbalances of your alk/ca/ph. Instead you need to reduce the input of the CO2. Try dripping it into a larger container with STRONG aeration from an airstone to release the CO2, before it goes into the tank.

 

[Craig Scheer]

Do you mean your alkalinity is 34 dKH or 3.4 meg/L?

 

[pez]

I was going to say that 34 meq/L is nearly impossible with a calcium of 350 ppm Ca++. dKH is
more likely.

-Tom

 

[coralsandbar]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Yes, my alk tested out at 34 meg/L.

Looks like I'll turn the reactor off, do a sizeable water change, hook up a larger container for effluent to drip in and hook up an airstone in collection cup.

Thanks for the advice and new ideas.

thanks again,

Rob

 

[esmithiii]

My test kit would run out of reagent if my alk was at 34 meq / l. (BTW it is meq not meg)

Are you sure the test kit is OK?!

Ernie

 

[pez]

With all due respect, your numbers have to be wrong. That's 1700 ppm CaCO3, or 95.2 dKH.

-Tom

 

[coralsandbar]

Hi esmithiii & pez,

My 1st test kit did run out of regeant but I was able to measure the 34 meq/L.

I bought another test kit and rechecked and it was 34 meq/L.

I did a 50% water change yesterday and the alkalinity is definitely down.

I'll probably add some more calcium to offset the remainder followed by another (not quite as big) water change in a few days.

Thank you for your help,

Rob