alkylinity

[jdamon]

Hello All, I just performed an experiment and would like some input on the results. I tested the alkylinity in my tank using a Salifert test kit. It is 3.31 meq/L, not optimal , but acceptable. I also did the same test on a fresh bucket of salt water that I made for a water change. I expected it to come out perfect, around 4meq/L, but it barely reached 2.40meq/L. I used Red Sea salt, is that my problem? It has only sat for 20 minutes or so, is this not long enough for an acurate reading?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Jeff

 

[Desolas]

Most synthetic sea salts are supposed to mimic natural sea water levels, and natrual sea water is 2.2 meq/l. So 2.4 meq/l is not far off. After it has fully mixed and aerated it may come down a little as freshly mixed water is still pretty caustic.

We as reefers keep our alkalinity and Ca higher than normal to promote growth and to maintain Ph - but technically we are not keeping them at "natural" levels.

My freshly mixed water using IO salt is 2.2 meq/l Alk and 350 mg/l Ca. I hear Reef Crystals are slightly higher to be more in line with popular reefing; but I have no idea what a fresh batch comes out as.

 

[smokin reefer]

jdamon, 3.1meq/L seems to me to be a great no. to maintain you alk at. I keep mine right about their for 1 big reason. And that reason is to keep my calcium level at about 450. I have found that trying to keep the alk higher than posted above just keeps your calcium knocked down to 400ppm or below. Then you battle back and forth adding alk buffer, then turbo calcium. I never seemed to get the calcium to stay stable (above 400ppm) with the alk above 3.5meq/L. Not what I want. I have not had a problem keeping PH stable with this formula. But keep in mind I drip kalk in the morning before the lights come on, when the PH is at its lowest.
Don't want to start a _issing battle with desolas but my salifert test kit says the KH of natural seawater is 2.9meq/L.

 

[jdamon]

Thank you both for the input! I have to say, smokin reefer, that is an awsome alias. Thanks again for clearing that up for me, I think I have always been confused by the fact that everyone strives for an alkylinity value of 4 meq/L.

Jeff

 

[smokin reefer]

Thanks jdamon, that nick is from the old school days. He He. I would like to know what some of the other reefers keep their alk and calcium at. Those that drip kalk, and add buffers. I know you all out their with calcium reactors do NOT have this problem. Tell us the size of you tank, if your tank is lightly loaded, medium loaded, heavily loaded, and approx. how much turbo calcium and alk buffer you use. For instance, I have a 75g. tank, 30g sump (lightly loaded) and drip about 1.25g of kalk, vinegar mix daily, more in the summer. I also add approx. 1 tablespoon of alk buffer, and approx. 1.5 tablespoons of turbo calcium daily=3.0 to 3.5meq/l alk, and 430ppm to 450ppm calcium.

 

[danmhippo]

I keep my tank close to 5meq/l. I use kalkwasser.

 

[Anonymous]

75 G. Reef with 20 fuge and sump
medium - heavy stocking
70 ML Sodium Bicarbonate B-ionic (I have high ph) added daily
2 TSP pickling lime/G make-up water 24/7 (3/4 GPD)
Calcium 380-390 ppm
Alk 2.93 meq/l, sometimes a little lower
Salifet test Kits

I guess I need a reactor as I still can't get my calcium over 400 inspite of the above. I've tried adding vinegar to the Kalkwater to increase the calcium, but to no avail.

Everything is growing pretty good, so I'm not to concerned about it.

Louey

 

[smokin reefer]

how about some more reply's here. :?