calcium reactor with limewater.....

[puffdaddy_1]

Randy,

I have a low ph problem right now, but am using limewater to raise alkalinity and keep ph above 8.0.

If I use a calcium reactor I understand I can keep a constant alkalinity and calcium level. My alkalinity the other day was 2.4 with dkh around 6 and ph was 7.6. If my reactor kept a hardness at 10-12dkh and overall higher alkalinity level, wouldnt this do a better job of keeping a more higher steady ph?

I appreciate your response

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm not sure that I understand the question, but a CaCO3/CO2 reactor generally drives down pH, even though it does a fine job of supplying calcium and alkalinity.

Limewater can also supply calcium and alkalinity (and is what I use) and tends to raise pH. It also may not be able to add enough to meet the demands in the highest calcium and alkalinity demand aquaria.

This article compares the methods:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Limewater is probably your best bet to raise pH (even when used along withg a CaCO3/CO2 reactor), although more aeration with fresh air may also work. This article should help:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm