• Why not take a moment to introduce yourself to our members?

gnatp2

Greek god
Rating - 100%
10   0   0
The standard PH of my system has been about 8.2. I'd been running a calcium reactor to suppliment my system. My calc was 380, alk was 8.0 and Magnesium was 1300. I wanted to try to bump this up a bit so I decided to use kalkwasser for my top off water. Over the past couple weeks my PH has climbed to 8.5, calc to 420 and alk to 8.6, while my mag has dropped to 1150. I'm concerned about the high PH. Does this just seem like I'm using too much kalk for the top off water? If so, what else can I do in order to keep the calcium level higher and alk higher?

I've noticed nothing wrong with the tank since the kalkwasser addition. In fact, the corals are growing much better and have great polyp extension.

thanks,
Nate
 

regal

Advanced Reefer
Location
New Rochelle
Rating - 100%
28   0   0
The standard PH of my system has been about 8.2. I'd been running a calcium reactor to suppliment my system. My calc was 380, alk was 8.0 and Magnesium was 1300. I wanted to try to bump this up a bit so I decided to use kalkwasser for my top off water. Over the past couple weeks my PH has climbed to 8.5, calc to 420 and alk to 8.6, while my mag has dropped to 1150. I'm concerned about the high PH. Does this just seem like I'm using too much kalk for the top off water? If so, what else can I do in order to keep the calcium level higher and alk higher?

I've noticed nothing wrong with the tank since the kalkwasser addition. In fact, the corals are growing much better and have great polyp extension.

thanks,
Nate

1) First, I'll make sure that the pH reading is accurate. If you are using a pH meter, re-calibrate the probe.

2) Top off with RO/DI instead of kalk will help bring the pH back down

3) To increase your calcium, since you are running a reactor, you should be able to adjust it to give you more calcium if the reactor is not max'ed out. Your pH may get lower. If you want to bring it up higher, then you can use kalk but don't use as much so you won't have a pH problem.

4) I find it easier to boost either the cal or alk with the 2-part solutions. If your pH is high, you can use baking soda which will bring the pH down somewhat. If the pH is low, use recipe 1 of the 2 part alk.

Hope this help.
 
Last edited:

Sponsor Reefs

We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.

Click here to sponsor $10:


Top