Originally Posted by
mopar9012
http:///forum/post/2934594
Ive been having trouble maintaining proper pH and alkalinity levels in my tank, so I thought I should test the RO water I get from my LFS and wow pH and the alkalinity were very low.
How should I fix this probelem? Somebody told me that it isnt a good idea to add a buffer to top off water and water change water. So should I just keep dosing my main tank with a buffer?
Maintaining proper Alk/Calcium levels in a tank is a constant balancing act. Proper Alk levels is what stabilizes PH. Too much calcium can cause Alk levels to drop dangerously low and can cause an entire tank meltdown.
There are several methods to maintain this balance. I use daily additives. Bionic 2 part. Two Little Fishies makes a 2 part also. Alk and Calcium. You just need to do daily tests for about 2 weeks until you are adding the proper amount daily, then just continue to maintain.
You can also get a Calcium reactor, which is expensive but automaticcally maintains for you and is the easiest and best method.
Adding the R/O water as top off, isn't really any issue.
You just have to make sure that Calcium and Alk levels are always in balance in your tank. i.e., you can't just add calcium without also buffering or you will upset the balance in the tank, which will affect the PH.
If you don't want to spend on a Calcium reactor. I highly reccommend the 2 part daily additives. Once you get the routine down, they are easy, done once a day when feeding and will keep everything in a nice balance.
