Raising pH alkalinity

[gtox44]

I just set up my tank and got it cycled, but my pH is 8.1 and my alkalinity is only about 3.5. How to I raise both? What is the "perfect" level of each?

 

[down and outman]

There's several ways to raise ph and alkalinity. A good two part supplement will do the trick, get it at your LFS. Go see Tim at Keen Reef, he'll help you out. You may want to investigate the DIY products at http://www.bulkreefsupply.com">www.bulkreefsupply.com</a> as well. Good reading there as well. Baked baking soda will do it. Bake at 400 degrees for an hour to drive off CO2.
8.1 is not bad for ph, so try not to overdo it. Getting your tank cycled is an exciting time! You could have peeled me off the ceiling when my first tank was ready. Just remember to take your time and don't get in a hurry. Good thing happen slow, bad things happen fast. Check out reefkeeping magazine online, a lot of good stuff in there.
Have fun!

 

[ralph atl]

here:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/chem.htm"><span style="color: #22229c">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/chem.htm</span></a>

[IMG]http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php"><span style="color: #22229c">http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php</span></a>

[IMG]http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.php"><span style="color: #22229c">http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.php</span></a>

[IMG]http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm"><span style="color: #22229c">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm</span></a>

 

[jaustin]

is your ALK measured in DKH or meq/l? If that's your meq/l than do not raise it anymore. Also your PH is fine, no need to adjus it.

 

[oil_fan]

JAustin;342855 wrote: is your ALK measured in DKH or meq/l? If that's your meq/l than do not raise it anymore. Also your PH is fine, no need to adjus it.

Agreed on pH. Mine is typically 8.0 to 8.1. Nothing to worry about there.

 

[gtox44]

Thanks for the links and the other tips guys. I think the alkalinity is meq/l so I won't mess with it. I was just worried because on my test kit it said both should be a little bit higher. I wasn't sure if that would hurt my aquarium having them at those levels.

 

[stickx911]

agree with the above. My PH stays low. I wont usually mess with it until it drops below 8 (7.8/7.9) but even then its nothing to panic over.

Good luck!

 

[oldschool52]

Just for your info if you want to know the DKH multiply your reading by a factor of 2.8, that will give the dkh equivalent, or real close.

 

[ralph atl]

3.5 meg/l is perfect.

 

[gtox44]

Wow now i'm excited. It's a nice feeling to know everything is going right so far. I hope I can keep it up. Just gotta keep up this terribly slow pace.

 

[jaustin]

Keep doing what your doing and test test test. Keep a record of your results in a log book or somthing, it will help you out alot. Keep things stable and avoid swings and things will grow and be happy!