Added Soda Ash to raise my alk and PH shot up

[huskerreefatl]

Hey all,
I just added some BRS Soda Ash to bump up my alk and then noticed that my ph jumped to 8.6. Should I be concerned or will it go down after it all settles in?

Thanks

 

[jbdreefs]

How much were you trying to raise your alk? BRS recommend a certain amount per day. I think it is 1dkh. I presume the limitation is partly because of the short term effects on PH.

 

[huskerreefatl]

I was raising it from 7 to 9 ish...I actually went light on the amount recommended by the BRS calculator with the intent to measure again tomorrow and add more if needed. And you are right, i just went back to the BRS calculator and it does say that it will temporarily raise the PH. It has already dropped a bit.

 

[hiimsean]

It will go back down. Soda ash, baked baking soda, will do that. If you are trying to raise just your alk, use baking soda

 

[huskerreefatl]

Back at 8.2 now.....that worried me for a bit. I will make sure to not add as much next time and do it in the evening

 

[huskerreefatl]

thanks for the link, HiImSean. I have read that article in that past and it is a great reference. I was actually raising all 3, ca, alk, and mg and added some of each. I have been using the mixes from BRS but if I get to the point that I need to raise more or dose more to maintain, I will definitely go the route of this article.