Low Alkalinity

I am trying to better my water quality for my SPS, so I've started testing calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity since I've seriously started to keep them. My alkalinity is low, and I'm not sure how to raise it. What is the best method to raise and sustain my alkalinity?

 

What is you reading? I Recently purchased Seachem reef builder to help raise Carbonate Alkalinity.

I was literally just searching for other peoples alk readings as I have the Red Sea alk test but they say 2.8 is too high but in some of my reading people are running around 3.5???

My reading was around 2.4... I need a better test kit for alk/dkh so was looking around for that also.

I am continuing my research

 

Shouldn't an SPS reef have a dkh of around 8-12?

 

yes in the reading I have done people seem to range around 8 to 12 so I am way off and will be dosing Reef Builder a couple times a week to bring my alk up to 3.5 to 3.7 range which will give me a 9.8 to 10.36 dkh

here is a good conversion site for determining your dkh based on your alk reading

SaltyZoo's Alkalinity Reading Conversion (meq/l / dKH / ppm CaCO3) Utility

 

Thanks for the link. My dkh is just below 7, right around where you are as well, so I need to find a way to pick it up.

 

dose, look at the brs 2part, soda ash or bicarbonate easy... Im dosing 50 ml of alk every two days

 

soda ash?

 

bump

It would be nice if others with more experience with SPS specifically chime in on this.

If possible post your alk or dkh level and what you dose with to keep levels constant.

 

That would be very helpful.

 

Check out this article: Chemistry And The Aquarium: Solving Calcium And Alkalinity Problems — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

It is very helpful. It suggests one of these products: ESV B-Ionic, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Hydroxide, Calcium Chloride, etc. Additives/Supplements
C Balance Supplement

These products add calcium and alkalinity to the tank in equal ratios making it relatively easy to maintain both levels.