Whats the best buffer? Alk problems.

[Ben1]

My Alk keeps dropping and I need to add a daily buffer to keep it stable. Right now I am using a Kent marine liqiud buffer at 4 caps a day in my 150 gal.

I dose the tank with ro/di top off thru a kalk reactor but still have to add calcium to keep the calcium up. It typically runs 380-400 ppm if I add a teaspoon of Turbo Calcium every other day. I believe the turbo calcium is why I am having buffer problems but can't figure this out. What would you do.?

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO it's much easier to maintain good numbers with a balanced two-part additive, rather than dosing separate additives, although on a tank your size, I know that can get pricey. Have you thought about a Ca reactor?

BTW, I'm sure you already know this, but ordinary baking soda is a very convenient, cheap source of sodium bicarbonate (ie. buffer).

 

[Anonymous]

First of all I recommend that you go check the Advanced Aquarist archives. Lots of articles in there on this problem. Then I'd check to see if I had a CO2 build up.

Best way of checking that is to place an airstone in a cup, pint, quart or glass of tank water and let run for 24 hours. If it is a CO2 problem, the pH will go up.

 

[Ben1]

As soon as I can afford a new CA reactor I am getting one but for now I have to deal with the ca/buffer additions. Two part solutions are great but too $ right now.

Thanks tho!

 

[rabagley]

If you're adding Calcium Chloride, you need to be simultaneously adding sodium bicarbonate.

If the commercial two part additives are too expensive, make your own: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2004/chem.htm

Regards,
Ross