adjusting tank parameters

[rus]

tank parameters
looking for recomended adjustments for getting tank parameters in check.


i added a calcium reactor to our 155 gal. reef on April 5 ,2days later the readings were

tank ph - 7.68
calc. - 520
alk - 6.4 dkh

efl. ph - 6.97
efl. alk - 28.5 dkh


todays readings are :

tank ph - 7.55
calc - 500
alk - 7.0 dkh

efl. ph - 6.5
elf alk - 35.0 dkh


so far unable to raise ph or alk to desired levels , any suggestions? [ reactor media is ARM , and ph tested with pinpoint moniter. ] bulbble count is 1 per sec. and efl return is around 40 drops per min. if you nee any other info please let me know.


thanks - Russ

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I suspect it will get there, but if you want to get there fast, use an alkalinity supplement. In a case like yours, washing soda is a good choice, though baking soda will work OK too.

Here's an article that describes what to do:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

[rus]

just a quick update on my tank readings . one week later , [ i increase the effluent level to almost a steady very thin stream. bubble count remained the same at around 60 to 70 per minute. ]


tank - 7.60 ph [ am reading pm around 8.0 ]
- 480 calc.
- 9.3 alk [ this has gone up substancially ]


efll. - 6.85 ph [ this has increased ]
- 23 dkh [ dropped slightly ]


i think things are sorting them selves out except the ph , still remaing low. thinking about adding washing soda , but not sure of the ratio to add it at?

any thought or suggestions welcome .

thanks -Rus [ original readings are at the beggining of post ]

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I wouldn't add much washing soda to raise pH since your alkalinity is fine. It would soon get too high.

Limewater is the way to go to raise pH (along with more aeration) because it will not drive alkalinity too high (because it adds a proportionate amount of calcium).

This article describes how to raise pH, including the use of limewater:


http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2002/chem.htm