Alkalinity will not Raise

[aalbanus]

We have a 650 S Red Sea Max tank, which has been up and running for about 8 months. It is mixed reef. Monthly water changes and regular testing has been done. pH is running around 8, calcium 420, Mag 1300, but the alkalinity will not raise despite frequent dosing. Today's measurement is 2.5/7. Was adding red sea alkalinity liquid, but due to cost of daily dosing, now have switched to powder. Numbers are not budging. This weekend will be monthly water change. Lights, temperature and salinity have not changed. Don't want to shock the sytem, so have been following the directions closely on the additives. The alkalinity was higher for the first few months, towards optimal levels, but not now. I have read about as much as I can without getting completely confused with the multiple different opinions. Just reaching out to fellow club members to see what thoughts are.

 

[bluesy1213]

Maybe switching to a different salt, known to have a higher amount of alkalinity would be a way to go. I have a nano LPS tank that if I only use reef crystals when doing water changes my alkalinity will steadily climb over time. I’m not a seasoned reefer but wanted to share my experience and thought maybe someone else could offer more of an explanation maybe.

 

[Steve Burton]

When I first started dosing alkalinity mine wouldn't rise either, found that for 3 days I was using the wrong bottle, was actually dosing calcium. Almost all my problems are my own errors.

 

[lmm1967]

Do you have an Apex? When you dose does your PH climb? What test kit are you using and is it expired? Have you had a local store or someone else verify your numbers?

 

[FutureInterest]

So when Alk won't rise... it's usually because your mag is not where it needs to be. Magnesium is the key to preventing alk and ca from bonding. I would try upping your mag a bit...

I agree with Leo that you should get your numbers checked as well. Some test kits aren't trustworthy. If you live near me I'd be happy to test your water for yah.

 

[aalbanus]

Thanks to all for the advice. I have validated the test kit, know for sure I am not dosing the wrong chemical, do not have an Apex. Will probably try to get the mag up some after the next water change. PH does not change after dosing either. On the positive side, the fish are thriving, would just love to have a better environment for the corals to thrive also. Have had a few expensive losses over the last few months, but love this hobby.

 

[bcavalli]

Im Just curious what your dosing schedule is? Are you manually dosing or using a doser? Is your sand bed clumping up? One thought is its possible your precipitating your alkalinity.

 

[bcavalli]

You may also want to try BRS’s (Bulk Reef Supply) dosing powders. They are a lot cheaper than other brands and work extremely well. I have a few new in the box (soda ash, calcium bicarbonate and magnesium) kits. I’ll sell them to you at less than cost to try out and see if you like them.

 

[danh]

My guess, as stated before, is bad test kits. If you are dosing what you feel like is more than enough to get it up, I'd say your alk test kit is bad. Could also be Ca and/or Mg that are bad. If it's Mg that's bad then Ca is likely bad too, and as mentioned, you'll likely see the precipitate somewhere.

As far as cost of chems, I'm liking BRS too.

 

[danh]

Thanks to all for the advice. I have validated the test kit, know for sure I am not dosing the wrong chemical, do not have an Apex. Will probably try to get the mag up some after the next water change. PH does not change after dosing either. On the positive side, the fish are thriving, would just love to have a better environment for the corals to thrive also. Have had a few expensive losses over the last few months, but love this hobby.

Maybe it's red sea additive. I've used regular old baking soda before.

 

[Adam]

That's a good size tank. Titration test kits for pH aren't the best for aquariums. They'll get you in the ballpark but seeing a difference between, 8.0 and 8.08 for example, is going to be tough. If you're not interested in a controller, @bcavalli has one for sale at a very good price btw, you might want to think about getting a Pinpoint pH monitor. A MAX S-650 is a fairly expensive setup. Getting a leg up on the parameters will be essential for long term success.

Mag isn't horrible at 1300, if you know for sure that's what it is, 1350-1400 would be better though. How much Alk have you been dosing?