low Alk

so I got a second test done today alk 4.5 AhRRRRr
have got some arm & hammer baking soda here so just need to check out dosing it

 

Ok after a quick serch here on 3reef I found this link. its a good calculator
Reef Chemistry Calculator
im thinking to bring Alk up to 9 I will do it over a 3 days bye thirds of recomended dossages anyone think that may be to quick?

 

I think it's a little quick. I wouldn't increase my alk no more then .5meq/L per day. Better safe then sorry. Your corals could get really stressed out from a fast change. Also, make sure you watch your magnesium and calcium carefully while you dose alk.

 

is it ok to dose ph buffer at the same time to limmit the ph drops occuring from the sodium bicarbonate?
Finnished dosing 1.25tsp baking soda in estimated 45gl systems water ph drop was .09 not to bad

 

Alk now 6 but test was out by .5 so I guess it worked well raised Alk by 1. ph drop steady now 8.19

 

I don't think the PH buffers will hurt when dosing Alk supplements. Just make sure you allow at least a couple hours between dosing. A .1 drop in PH isn't that bad. Usually after the lights go out the PH can drop .1 - .4.

Also, did you know that some PH buffers (like Seachem's) actually raises alkalinity too. I use that stuff to keep my PH in line, and I notice it helps keep my alk around 4meq/L.

Btw, have you tried using Seachem's Reef Builder to raise Alk? It doesn't effect PH like baking soda does..