Alkalinity Problem

geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
I have had a 110x FO for 12 years, and have always had a pH problem. Last night (lights on all day) the pH was 7.8 and the alkalinity was 2.0, so the problem is low alkalinity. I had 33 gal of 3 day old change water in the basement, so I decided to check that, and, while the pH was OK at 8.2, the alkalinity was 2.0 also. I made a water change today, but don't expect much to happen to the pH because of the low alkalinity. I am using Coralife, as I have been for the past 12 years, and have been successful in keeping fish in it, but I would appreciate any advice about buffering, or possibly changing salt mixes if this is a known problem with Coralife.
Tank params:
sg=1.022
pH=7.8
alkalinity=2.0
ammon=0
nitrite=0
nitrate=15
temp=79
refugium w chaeto and gracilaria
Amiracle wet/dry
turbomedic 1000SL skimmer w waverunner 2500
Stock:
volitans - 5"
juv. emperor angel - 3"
(I don't worry about adult size since I have a 180 at work)
 
sacfishguy

sacfishguy

Member
i usually use Reef Builder (Raises Carbonate Alkalinity) about once a week and do monthly water changes with oceanic salt. thought that might give you some ideas.
 
M

mlandrigan

Guest
Could be your test kit is shot. I've heard of them going bad for alk? I use coralife as well, and don't have an alk issue.
-Matt
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Baking Soda will raise Alkalinity. Don't try to raise it a lot all at once though.
Are you mixing your saltwater properly? If you give me the details of your mixing procedure I can see if you're doing it correctly.
Calcium is another need to know test.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
I mix saltwater in a 35 gal rubbermaid container that has a heater and an eheim pump for circulation. I use a plastic hydrometer, but will have a refractometer by the end of the week. All my water is RODI. I haven't been checking the Ca levels since this is a FO tank, but right now they are 375. I don't think the alkalinity test is at fault, since I get an alkalinity of 2.75 for my nano using the same kit (expiration date August, 2007).
 
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