11.2 Alkalinity with a 7.8 PH?

RicGio · 10/16/2017, 09:09 AM

Hi guys,

My tank has been running for about 4 months and I'm to the point where I'd like to start stocking it with LPS corals.

I wanted to get the tank stabilized at 400 ppm calcium, so I started a kalkwasser drip. The best I could get was 340ppm with an alk of 10.2. SO, I started adding B-ionic 2 part in the recommended dosing of 1 ml for each 4 gallons of tank water.

When I tested yesterday, I had an Alk of 11.2

, PH of 8.0 and calcium of 400PPM. I immediately stopped the Kalk drip and I want to regroup.
As soon as I stopped the Kalk drip, PH dropped and stabilized at 7.80 ?? ***?

What is my best plan to try getting this stabilized again? (target 400ppm calcium, Alk 8-10ish, and PH 8.00-8.20? I just ordered a magnesium test kit and B ionic magnesium additive, BTW.

mcgyvr · 10/16/2017, 09:24 AM

Just use the calcium component of the B-Ionic to get to the starting level you want..
Or the alkalinity component to get to the starting level of that..

Then you can use kalk to maintain both..
Kalk isn't intended to achieve starting levels but only as maintenance dosing to maintain levels.. Its not for raising/lowering a single parameter like that as it includes both parts..

nereefpat · 10/16/2017, 09:51 AM

Agree with mcgyvr. Use the Ca component only in this case. Drs foster and smith, bulk reef supply, etc also sell anhydrous CaCl. Dose to 400pppm (or even 450).

THEN, start either using kalk or 2part as directed.

Oh, and quit worrying about (and even testing for) pH.

bertoni · 10/16/2017, 11:55 AM

I agree that dosing only calcium should let the alkalinity level drop. It's probably safe as is, in any case. That pH (7.8) is typical for a house with the windows shut, and it's fine. A lot of Tanks of the Month have run at that level.

RicGio · 10/17/2017, 06:04 AM

Thanks for the advice. Since I stopped dosing Kalk, the PH has stabilized at 8.0. I'll continue dosing the calcium portion of the 2 part and monitor Alk.

bertoni · 10/17/2017, 03:42 PM

You're welcome! 8.0 for pH is good for a tank in a house.

10/16/2017, 09:09 AM	#1
RicGio Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 658	11.2 Alkalinity with a 7.8 PH? Hi guys, My tank has been running for about 4 months and I'm to the point where I'd like to start stocking it with LPS corals. I wanted to get the tank stabilized at 400 ppm calcium, so I started a kalkwasser drip. The best I could get was 340ppm with an alk of 10.2. SO, I started adding B-ionic 2 part in the recommended dosing of 1 ml for each 4 gallons of tank water. When I tested yesterday, I had an Alk of 11.2 , PH of 8.0 and calcium of 400PPM. I immediately stopped the Kalk drip and I want to regroup. As soon as I stopped the Kalk drip, PH dropped and stabilized at 7.80 ?? ***? What is my best plan to try getting this stabilized again? (target 400ppm calcium, Alk 8-10ish, and PH 8.00-8.20? I just ordered a magnesium test kit and B ionic magnesium additive, BTW.

10/16/2017, 09:24 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Just use the calcium component of the B-Ionic to get to the starting level you want.. Or the alkalinity component to get to the starting level of that.. Then you can use kalk to maintain both.. Kalk isn't intended to achieve starting levels but only as maintenance dosing to maintain levels.. Its not for raising/lowering a single parameter like that as it includes both parts.. __________________ Who me?

10/16/2017, 09:51 AM	#3
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Agree with mcgyvr. Use the Ca component only in this case. Drs foster and smith, bulk reef supply, etc also sell anhydrous CaCl. Dose to 400pppm (or even 450). THEN, start either using kalk or 2part as directed. Oh, and quit worrying about (and even testing for) pH. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

10/16/2017, 11:55 AM	#4
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I agree that dosing only calcium should let the alkalinity level drop. It's probably safe as is, in any case. That pH (7.8) is typical for a house with the windows shut, and it's fine. A lot of Tanks of the Month have run at that level. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/17/2017, 03:42 PM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	You're welcome! 8.0 for pH is good for a tank in a house. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/17/2017, 06:04 AM	#5
RicGio Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 658	Thanks for the advice. Since I stopped dosing Kalk, the PH has stabilized at 8.0. I'll continue dosing the calcium portion of the 2 part and monitor Alk.