Raising Alkalinity

Thomalop · #1 01/07/2008, 06:10 PM

Prior to my water change my ph was at 7.8. I have now got this up to where it needs to be.

However my alkalinity is 1.4.

How do I get this up to where it needs to be?

bertoni · #2 01/07/2008, 06:16 PM

Most tanks require regular calcium and alkalinity supplementation. A 2-part like B-Ionic is an easy way to get started. This article might help:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

For the moment, some baking soda dissolved in fresh water would help. This calculator might be useful:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Thomalop · #3 01/07/2008, 06:20 PM

Is it O.K. to use baking soda for the long term?

bertoni · #4 01/07/2008, 06:23 PM

You'll also need a calcium supplement. This article covers a DIY 2-part that uses baking soda:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Thomalop · #5 01/07/2008, 06:34 PM

Is there a recommended solution sold in stores to raise alkalinity and also for calcium?

Thanks

bertoni · #6 01/07/2008, 06:39 PM

I used B-Ionic for years. Similar products like C-Balance and Kent Tech-CB should be fine as well.

Thomalop · #7 01/07/2008, 06:39 PM

Thank you Bertoni!

bertoni · #8 01/07/2008, 06:40 PM

You're welcome!

FishFace28 · #9 01/07/2008, 09:59 PM

I use Kent Nano Reef Part A & B. Part A is for calcium, but I don't have any hard corals, so I almost never need to dose for calcium. Part B is for Alkalinity, and I have to dose every other day.