High PH B-Ionic?

[Anonymous]

I just recieved by first order of B-Ionic and notice that they make a different recipe for systems with high PH. My PH consistantly tops 8.5 in the evening. I decided to go ahead a give the tank a dose of the normal PH B-Ionic. I dosed 20 ML of each part in my 75F reef. I also have a 20 refugium another 7G's in my sump. So the dose was a little less than the prescribed 1ML/20G. My PH rose to 8.6! Should I continue using the alkalinity component?

Have any of you used the high PH B-Ionic? Should I contimue to dose the calcium portion while I wait for the High PH stuff to arrive. (I haven't ordered it yet) My calcium was at 420 before the first 20ML dose. The next day it was at 440. I cut the dose back to 15ML. I'll check it again tonite.

From everything I've read on this board B-Ionic is the best thing going. I have been using Seachem Reef Builder and Reef Advantage for the last year. I'm not happy with the coraline growth. That is why I am switching to B-Ionic.'

All suggestions are appreciated.

 

[MattM]

If your system is consistantly that high in pH, then you should use the B-Ionic Calcium Bicarbonate System instead of the Calcium Buffer System. It is pH neutral for tanks with consistantly high pH. The label reads "Low pH formula for high pH marine aquariums". The regular stuff raises pH because most tanks are chronically low.

Don't use one part without the other, at least not regularly. Just quit using it for a while until you get the right one.

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: MattM ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

Is the B-Ionic Calcium Sodium Bicarbonate a two part system? One part for calcium and one part for alkalinity?

My system has had a high PH for so long I quit worrying about. All animals look good. I certainly don't want to add anything that will make it any higher.

I can't find the product you describe at any of the websites I've checked, at least so far.

Thanks Matt.

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: Louey ]</p>

 

[MattM]

Yes, it's a two part system, just less concentrated and more pH neutral. Here is the full info.

We sell it, but for some reason we don't have it on our online store. You can also order direct from ESV, use the link above.

The concentrate is the best deal since the shipping costs are much less. Just add RO/DI water to mix to the full volume.

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: MattM ]</p>

 

[MandarinFish]

Don't reefs love high PH?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Matt. You've got mail!

 

[Anonymous]

Manderinfish. My reef is thriving, except the coraline isn't as good as I have seen in other tanks the same age as mine (1 to 1-1/2 years). I have had excellent growth on my clams, frogspawn, and montipora.

I just don't want to see my PH go any higher although I have read somewhere the the PH of NSW can go as high as 9!

 

[MFisher]

The one question that keeps coming to mind is that your method of pH measurement (probe?) isn't reading properly. Is it?

 

[louey louey]

MFisher-Good question. I have a pinpoint PH monitor and I questioned that right away. I double checked the PH with a HAgen PH test kit and had my LFS check it with his. all test show high PH.

I know one other reefer in my area that has had the same problem for about the same time. Strange. We both quit worring about the high PM aa long time ago as both our reefs seem to be thriving.

I'm going to try the high PH B-Ionic that Matt suggested. My PH should not be raised any higher by this product as it is PH neutral.

We'll see.

 

[MattM]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MandarinFish:
<strong>Don't reefs love high PH?</strong><hr></blockquote>

In general, yes. The idea behind the Calcium Bicarbonate System is that if your pH is already high, this won't push it any higher.

 

[hgsports]

Not to change the subject, but has anyone had any luck with B-Ionic? My tank has relatively high PH (8.0 in the morning, 8.5 by night time) and I tried switching to B-Ionic just recently.

My calcium, unfortunately, rarely gets up to 350ppm. I cant figure it out. Using the B-Ionic two part seems to raise my PH (not needed) and doesnt do a thing for my Calcium (the big problem).

I've since switched back to Kalkwasser and Kent Superbuffer. Although it doesnt really seem to help my calcium problem, the PH doesnt climb if I drip the Kalkwasser.

Both the B-Ionic and Kalwasser instructions mention possible low Magnesium as a possible source for low calcium. Never tested for it, so I cant tell (and dont really want to pay $30 for a test kit that I'll use once or twice). I use Instant Ocean salt and RO/DI top off water. I would hope that a brand like Instant Ocean would be Magnesium sufficient... maybe not...

Regardless, the B-Ionic just didnt seem to do anything productive for me. Maybe I didnt give it long enough....


john

 

[MattM]

First, a two part balanced supplement generally won't raise your calcium level unless your alkalinity is also low. There is a balance between the two and if the alkalinity is already high, the calcium won't really go up. Calcium chloride products like Kent Liquid Calcium can be used for "one-time-adjustments" to calcium level, and the the B-Ionic is used to maintain it.

Second, yes, magnesium deficiency can reduce both calcium and alkalinity. Normally carbonate in the system binds to magnesium. It there isn't enough, it will bind to calcium, dropping it out of solution and into your sand.

And last, we have found that any system for calcium maintenance tends to give haywire results if you change methods every few months.

Hope that helps!