Alkalinity problem

[blemmy_guy]

My Ph is 8.2 but my alkalinity isw 5.5, I use ro/di water and it reads 0 so what is wrong and what do i do to fix it.??? Thanx
Todd

 

[dennis210]

You need to raise your alk, but you also need to test calcium levels. Look in the archives here and you find a calcium/alkalinity chart by Reefnut. It should help you out. Raising alk with a buffer is pretty easy, just pick a brand and stick with it. I like Kent products.

 

[ifirefight]

5.5 what? meq/l or dKh? Big difference.

 

[aztec reef]

i think he meant in dkh, otherwise the alk will be waay too high, if it was in meq/l...however, since ph is only 8.2 its most likely dkh..

 

[blemmy_guy]

Thanx for the respones. and its mEq/L, and the calcium is at 460.. Which is way too high!! And i use buffer most the time but im afraid it will cause the alkalinity too high? i made a 10 gal water change 2 days ago and it made very little difference. and i Did not use buffer on that water.Thanx again
Todd

 

[bang guy]

It's fine, just let it drop naturally.
Just FYI - The ONLY reason to use buffer is to raise Alkalinity. If ALK isn't low DON'T use it!!

 

[blemmy_guy]

Thanx Bang! Long time no see.. ANd i stopped useing the buffer for now, and will only use it as needed from now on. i just read a really good article about buffer and how its over used. Thanx again
Todd