Calcium/Alkalinity/PH --Please explain

[Drinkmorewater]

Hi,

So I have my test for PH, Calcium and Alkalinity but I must say i'm completly confused as to the relationship between the 3. I know I want my PH at 8.3 but how do I know when to add what? I feel like I'm dosing away based on the bottle instructions but never sure if I'm doing anything right. While I haven't killed much yet I think its more of a miracle than anything.

Any reading I can do or anyone who can explain it would be amazing.

Thank you!

 

[ming]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[tosiek]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/rhf/index.php

Read those.

Calcium and alk (KH), when at the proper levels, should keep your tank at a PH range of 8.0-8.2, so if your calk and alk are fine then so is your PH 99% of the time. If your having calcium problems, like it being hard to raise or lower, then you might have a magnesium problem.

Actually Reefcentral has a really good FAQ post about any and all problems you can face with information on any water parameter problems.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102605