ALK

[demosthenes]

I had heard the subject of ALK raised once, before this site, and now I have been convinced that it is important. I just don't know anything about it. What is the best test kit to buy? How do you dose it and such? I also need to know anything about it that is important. T4AH

 

[lnarobbins]

dem. what does ALK stand for
Alan

 

[bradsmack]

ALK is Alkalinity,
For keeping your alkalinity up and stable i reccommend using Kalkwasser. When using this test your alkalinity to make sure it stays steady, SeaTesT Alk kits work great, keep your dkH around 9-14.

 

[q]

Alk (carbonates) and Ca are the primary substances in coral skelitons. They need both in order to grow. The alk also acts as a buffer in the tank which helps control ph swings. Here is a link to some info on reef tank chemistry.
<a href="http://www.reefkeeping.com" target="_blank">web page</a>
bradsmack: Your tank info seams a bit long. I would appreciate it if you shortened it up a bit or list it left to right.
thanks

 

[demosthenes]

Thanks, I do dose Kalkwasser, I just didn't realize I was also dosing Alk, I thought it was only calcium. I am going to go get it tested tomorrow. So, I need to keep it between 9 & 14?

 

[demosthenes]

Ok, so a calcium reactor? What's a good one and how much $ would it be? Thanks

 

[lnarobbins]

hey Dem I just got back from the LFS I saw a reactor their and it ran for 150$ if memory serves me.
Alan

 

[adrian]

Although its possible to raise alk with a reactor or kalk, it will take a while depending on the system. A product like seachem reef builder will raise it much faster, and then kalk or a reactor can be utilized to maintain it. Of course with any change in a reef tank it should be gradual. Salifert makes the most reliable test kit that I know of, I found the sea test and fast test kits very unreliable and tough to use. Commercial models are much more expensive than those built by fellow reefers, and there are endless do it yourself plans online. HTH

 

[demosthenes]

Oh, too expensive for my liking. Well, I may consider one when my Summer Fast is over. T4TH

 

[adrian]

My reactor costs about $22 a year to maintain, thats 10 pounds of geo marine, and 10 pounds of CO2. The initial cost is what gets you, but its well worth it.

 

[demosthenes]

Well, I may consider it later on, but for now I have an embargo on all purchases. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[demosthenes]

I'm guessing that CO2 and CaribSea are like media in a sump, or the lights in a hood? What all is it that is needed for a calcium reactor?

 

[adrian]

Gol,Yes, tank size would predict how much CO2 and media you go through. Do you notice a difference between that ARM media and plain old geo marine? Just wondering if its worth the extra $.
Dem, the CO2 is injected into the reactor causing the pH in the chambers to drop to about 6.5 in which the media,(aragonite, ARM, geo marine, crushed coral, ect.) is dissovled therefore releasing Ca and carbonate into the tank.

 

[demosthenes]

Ok, I'm understanding it now. In a 75 gallon, would all the work be worth it? It's sounding more and more tempting, but I'm still unsure. I don't have the money to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on something that will take up time tinkering with and will be more of a headache than a help. T4AH

 

[bradsmack]

Dem, look around on the net, there are many DIY kits for Calcium Reactors, rather inexpensive that you could try. All i do is does Kalkwasser every day, no hassle what so ever, and my alk is always nice.. its up to you man, its your tank!