Confused about Alkalinity

[EmergencyRn]

I am using the hagen master test kit and it list alk in mg/L. I have a couple of questions.

1. Is there a relationship between alk and SG? Does one raise the other?

2. What is the conversion between testing devices. I see people list in meq/L, ppm, dkh. Confusing?

3. My alk was 16mg/l on new setup. My SG was up 1.028. now that i fixed SG 1.025, my alk is 14.5mg/l. was alk up due to elevated SG?

other tank water parameters.

ph 8.1
temp 79.9
amm .3
nitrite 10
nitrate .3
ca 420
phos .5

[EmergencyRn]

Sorry typing error.

alk was 160mg/l now 145mg/l. my test kit says alk greater than 125mg/L consult aquarium care specialist.

[wasupdavey]

I measure my Alkalinity in dKH because its easier for me to see. I have a conversion chart along with my test kit that tells me exactly how it works. I'll try to photo it for you and post it on here so you can see exactly it. Alkalinity does not raise your salinity in the water. Basically Alkalinity goes along with pH. If your alkalinity is low it tends to lower your pH. Keep your alkalinity between 8-12dKH. In ppm it would be around 143ppm-214ppm. If you are running low on alkalinity levels raise it back to the parameters suggested above. You can raise your alkalinity with Kent dKH superbuffer. If you keep your alkalinity in 8-12 range your pH will be fine. Somtimes you will see pH drop when your alkalinity is still in the good range. This is due to poor gas exchange. Just open up a window and your tank hood and allow fresh air to come in. You will see a raise in pH back to where it should be.

[chImerAnz]

...or save some money and raise your alkalinity using baking soda. If you maintain kH correctly, then I wouldnt even bother measuring pH. Use the calculator to work out how much to add http://reef.diesyst.com

[wasupdavey]

By the way if you choose to raise Alkalinity make sure to bake your baking soda in the oven. I forgot what this eliminates its some kind of gas. But make sure to bake it about 250Degrees or so.

[FB]

Originally posted by EmergencyRn
I am using the hagen master test kit and it list alk in mg/L. I have a couple of questions.

Just a note:

I was using the Hagen test kits for Calcium and Alk. I switched to Salifert and got the following

Alkalinity
Hagen 150ppm or 8.5 dKH
Salifert 350ppm or 19.5 dKH

Calcium
Hagen 480 ppm
Salifert 660 ppm.

There was certainly something wrong with my test kits. I don't know if mine had expired or something but they were definitely wrong. I would get someone to double check your results just to make sure your kits are accurate.

[Boomer]

1. Is there a relationship between alk and SG? Does one raise the other?

Yes, but its so small you will never see it. It is like a grain of sand on the beach.

2. What is the conversion between testing devices. I see people list in meq/L, ppm, dkh. Confusing?

1 meq / l = 2.8 dkH = 50 ppm

3. alk was 160mg/l now 145mg/l. my test kit says alk greater than 125mg/L consult aquarium care specialist

That is Ok as was the higher level. Many run their tanks at those levels you gave.

other tank water parameters.

ph 8.1 = OK
temp 79.9= OK
amm .3 = not good want it at zero
nitrite 10 = you want that zero also
nitrate .3 += Ok
ca 420 = OK
phos .5 = need to get it dwon

SG 1.025 = good enough. How are you measuring it ?


Is this a new tank that is cycling ?


Here is a guide to water parameters

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

[chImerAnz]

By the way if you choose to raise Alkalinity make sure to bake your baking soda in the oven.

ONLY do this if you have low pH - baking it will raise pH considerably. If you already have elevated pH levels, do NOT bake it (although just adding as is will drop pH slightly)

[bertoni]

To add to the list of equivalences, ppm is the same as mg/L, for hobbyist purposes. The difference is about 2%.

I agree that baking the baking soda is useful only in cases of low pH and smaller doses. I don't do the baking for any of my tanks.

[Boomer]

atah boy chIm, I missed that.

It will also really raise the ALk.

(although just adding as is will drop pH slightly)

You mean just adding baking soda not baked will drop the pH slightly. This will be short lived once the CO2 is "blown-off".

Neither of these are for raising the pH really. pH should not really be raise with a buffer, which these are. Kalk is a better method for raising then pH. At times it is OK to use baked baking soda if the pH and Alk are both low enough.

[chImerAnz]

yeah thats what i meant boomer, "as is" - must be a kiwi saying :-)

thanks - and agree with the kalk, best thing since sliced bread, just dont over do it ;-)

[Boomer]

Ah, I see now NZL My dream in life is to go to New Zealand

[chImerAnz]

My dream in life is to go to New Zealand

Well then head on down!!! Its not really that far if I can make it to the USA for a holiday, I'm sure you guys can make it down here Boomer, how about make a start and join the local forum (only 2 months old) and help out on the occasional reef chemistry question www.nzmas.co.nz/forums


EmergencyRn, by looking at your other parameters (specifically ammonia) I'm picking your tank is still cycling??? If thats the case I would not be too concerned about getting your parameters spot on just yet, all in time.... patience and (long term, stability) is the name of the game

[EmergencyRn]

This is a new tank and it is only day 2 of the cycle. I am using a hydrometer to measure SG. I plan on buying a refactometer soon. Makes sense now. Thanks guys.

[Boomer]

Ok

[five.five-six]

Originally posted by chImerAnz
Well then head on down!!! Its not really that far if I can make it to the USA for a holiday, I'm sure you guys can make it down here Boomer, how about make a start and join the local forum (only 2 months old) and help out on the occasional reef chemistry question www.nzmas.co.nz/forums


EmergencyRn, by looking at your other parameters (specifically ammonia) I'm picking your tank is still cycling??? If thats the case I would not be too concerned about getting your parameters spot on just yet, all in time.... patience and (long term, stability) is the name of the game

don't you have more sheep than people?

[Boomer]

Chim. I'll take a'look at NZMAS

[chImerAnz]

don't you have more sheep than people?

yup