I need to raise my alkalinity

[RUCoralGuy]

I already did a search for my question in previous posts, but i haven't found anything helpful. I started noticing my Xenia weren't looking too happy, but the pH was steadily 8.2/8.3 But when i tested alkalinity, it was way low. I need to bring up my alk, what should i do. I have some SeaBuffer (w/ sodium bicarb, sodium carb, and sodium borate). Should I add some of this over the next few days or should i try something else?
thanks in advance!

 

[Anonymous]

First of all sea water has calcium around 400-425ppm, and alk around 125-150 mg/l (~2.5 meg/l). If you are close to those values then I would not do anything.

here's is a calculator http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

and here is Dr holmes farley article on correcting problems. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm



If you are already at 425ppm calcium and 2meg/l that article recommends just adding baking soda. Of course go slow, let thing stabilize awhile. then remeasure.

 

[Anonymous]

Is your Calcium level OK also? If so then the Seabuffer is OK. I'm not a big fan of it because of the massive amount of Borate but it will do in small doses.

Baking soda will also work well.

IMO try to dose it to reach your target goal over the course of a week. It helps the people here to make recomendations when you post the actual values too. The term "Low" is subject to opinion and interpretation where 2.0Meq/L leave no doubt.

 

[polcat]

First of all sea water has calcium around 400-425ppm, and alk around 125-150 mg/l (~2.5 meg/l). If you are close to those values then I would not do anything.
.

Balance is just as important as the overall number. A balanced number would be calcium 450ppm, alk 4.45 meq/l, and magnesium 1350ppm. Run the calculator to verify. That's what I always shoot for.

 

[Unarce]

You may also want to check your iodine levels. I've read that iodine helps enhance Xenia's ability to feed.

 

[postie]

If you are worried about affecting your PH by raising your alkalinity (I have the same exact problem), there is a product made by Seachem called Reef Builder. It will raise alkalinity well just by following the directions and will not alter PH. Hope that helps, it has solved my problem.

 

[dzhuo]

First of all sea water has calcium around 400-425ppm, and alk around 125-150 mg/l (~2.5 meg/l). If you are close to those values then I would not do anything.

does nsw has alk at 2.5 meg/L? the instruction that come with my Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kit state that nsw has 8dKH or alkalinity of 2.9 meg/L. which one is right?

thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

It varies by area. Generally Alkalinity of 2.5Meq/L - 3.0Meq/L are the accepted norms for NSW. If you don't have a large tank then it's wise to maintain levels slightly higher to avoid a deficit of Carbonate during a coral growth spurt.