Still Confused about PH / ALK / KH

OK,
So tested the new tank on week 2.

Temp - 79.8
PH - 8.6
ALK - 2.8
KH - 8
SG - 1.023
Mg - 1100
Ca - 460
Am - .1
N2 - .2
N3 - 2.5
P4 - .1

My question / problem is with the KH / ALK. I test the ALK and it stays around 2.8 witht he redsea kit, but this is color coded so who knows. I test the KH wdith Elos test kit and it has dropped from 11 to 8 in 2 weeks.

I am adding the B-Ionic two part Ca/ buffer system and nothing happens.

So my PH went up to 8.6 from 8.4, my KH went down from 11 to 8. Aside from a few doses of the B-ionic, all I have done is toped off about a gallon a day of RO/DI.

I have also tried Seachem buffer 8.4.

==> What do all you do to stabalize PH, ALK/KH ?
==> Why when I add B-Ionic does the KH go down not up ?



\Shrug/

 

You need to remember that ALK is measured two different ways, meg/L & dKH. The both are one in the same, just like us measuring in oz or gal. You pH will always fluctuate due to your photo period. I never liked those two part solutions because you are suppose to do it in the morning when the pH is low and that is hard to do for me.
Instead of using the two part stuff why don't you just dose what you need?? If you need Ca then put in Ca, if you need your Mg up then just put in Mg. I buy mine in bulk so it cost less.
Bulk Reef Supply
Lots of people use what you have with great success, me it's a matter of less time on my part to keep the tank stable.

 

Thanks Otty, I am looking at those products.

I know about the ALK / KH difference, but what I am more confused about is why does one test change and the other does not ? Granted the ALK is color coded and the KH is amount of drops, so it is very likely that I am just not seeing the color change. I am not good with the colors.

Either way, the Bionic stated to raise ca and alk so I would not expect it to lower. Maybe just not a good product.

I guess no one ever said it was easy../.


Thanks

 

I never go by those color coded ones, I can never tell the difference. Either that or my arms a not long enough for focus any more.

 

I'll second that. I purchased about a years supply of Mg, Calcium, and Alkalinity buffers from Bulk reef Supply. Cost me about as much as 2 months worth of supplies from my normal supplier (usually DrsFosterSmith.com).

It's much easier to dose/control each individually, based on my water params, then trying to use a 2-part solution.

 

Is this the right package to get ?
The Total Two Part Package Bulk Reef Supply

It has the Calcium, ALK, and both kinds of Magnesium.



Thanks

 

That looks good. I like the idea.

 

One last question I swear.. OK, well on this thread anyway

OK, before I order I want to get this straight.
With this product
The Total Two Part Package Bulk Reef Supply

I can use the two parts of mag to maintain and increase my mag
I can use the calcium to increase ca

So there are two options to buy, one lowers PH and one raises.

Typicall what happens is I will do a water change and my PH is 8.4 and my alk is 2.8, both where I want them.

Now, after a month of adding top off water, typically my PH and ALK go up. Usually to 8.6 and 3.5.

What I think I am looking for is a way to stabilize the PH and ALK between water changes. Is the Soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) part of this package the right product for that problem ?? ??

Granted my new water system will likley produce different results, this is just the way it is today.


Any thoughts on this ?


Cheers

 

I usually change 10 gallons (out of a 55 tank) every 2 weeks.
My Ca generally drops by 10-20 ppm, so I add a few tablespoons of Calcium Chloride.
My dKH typically drops from a 11-14 range down to 7-9 dKH range, so I add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda/borax mix.
My mag drops a bit, due to the water change dilution, so I add a few tablespoons as needed.
I do actually test my parameters after my water changes and have it down to exactly how much of what to add, depending on test results. You'll be better off ordering the bulk reef supply stuff as it will save you a ton of cash vs buying liquid name-brand additives. FYI, the mag sulfate is essentially epsom salt. I'd use the two part sulfate/chloride, but I figure the tank gets enough chloride to balanace using the calcium chloride I dose. Did a w/c yesterday while watching House and Fringe, so tonight I'll test and dose while I watch the debate.


forgot to answer that other question:
What I think I am looking for is a way to stabilize the PH and ALK between water changes. Is the Soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) part of this package the right product for that problem ?? ??

to bump your Alk (you said it went from 11 to 8 dKH), add baking soda.
if your pH is also dropping, it may be a lack of fresh air circulating in your tank, also borate (Borax laundry booster) is a great buffer to bring your pH up to 8.3-8.4. I typically use a 4:1 ration mix of baking soda:borax. Sometimes I just add Baking soda if the pH has not dropped, but I rarely ever test the pH anymore.

 

Ohhhhh thanks Bogie....the Debate. I almost forgot.