Need Suggestions to Raise PH and DKH

[Macateer]

Dear friends,

My readings are PH 8 and dKH 7.7

The ideal would be PH 8.3 and dKH 11

Any suggestions to obtain the ideal parameters? Many thanks in advance!

[SubzeroLT]

Your parameters are actually in the normal range for a healthy reef tank. There will be some fluctuations within the day depending on CO2 levels but as mentioned, its all within a normal range.

Note also that test kits have a small range of errors. So i'd not be too particular about the pH values of 8.0 vs 8.3.

 

But to answer your query, to increase pH & KH, you can consider using kalkwasser. Many brands available. Do be cautious to drip this in slowly as sudden spikes can harm the tank.

Edited February 12, 2016 by SubzeroLT

[Macateer]

Hi subz,

Thanks for your valuable inputs. Good to hear that my para are within normal range. But maybe I will start a dosing schedule for kalk to bring the 2 components up an inch (I tend to be slightly kiasu).

Any particular brand of kalk should I look out for? BTW I am currently dosing salifert all in one and brightwell vitamarin c.

Many thanks bro!

[SubzeroLT]

Kalkwasser is actually Calcium Hydroxide. There are food grade ones available at some LFS. Else some brands like Two Little Fishes, Seachem or Kent Marine carries them.

Mixing preparation & dosing instructions are on the packaging. IMO, any brand will do.

 

Personally, my tank runs at pH of 7.7 (a little on the low side).  I dose with Two Little Fishes brand Kalkwasser in my auto top off water throughout the day.

 

 

[quarantasei]

Your kh and ph is fine why you want to raise higher? If you need to dose then it should be for holding/maintaining the parameters at that level.

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[Macateer]

Ok ok think I will just remain status quo. BTW just did a quick Google on kalk and it did not mention that it will raise dKH just ph only.

[Fragmaster]

Kh is amount of carbonates . You can add sodium hydrogen carbonate to increase both Kh and ph

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[JMW]

Yup, can make your own by heating baking soda in the oven. The resultant sodium carbonate will raise both KH & PH.

Then use Randy's calculator to determine how much to add 

 

[Patrick]

Kalkwasser is actually Calcium Hydroxide. There are food grade ones available at some LFS. Else some brands like Two Little Fishes, Seachem or Kent Marine carries them.

Mixing preparation & dosing instructions are on the packaging. IMO, any brand will do.

 

Personally, my tank runs at pH of 7.7 (a little on the low side).  I dose with Two Little Fishes brand Kalkwasser in my auto top off water throughout the day.

 

 

bro may I ask putting kalk in ato water will it clog ato water pump?

[SubzeroLT]

bro may I ask putting kalk in ato water will it clog ato water pump?

I use a Tom's aqua lifter for the ATO.

 

The ATO container has an acrylic tube that does not go all the way down to the bottom of the container.

 

[franklin]

Sorry to hijack to SubzeroLT may i know where can buy 220v toms aqualifter?

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[chercm]

Sorry to hijack to SubzeroLT may i know where can buy 220v toms aqualifter?

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Get it from pet mart in serangoon

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[SubzeroLT]

Yep. Petmart is where I got mine too.

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[franklin]

Thanks guys

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[SubzeroLT]

Ok ok think I will just remain status quo. BTW just did a quick Google on kalk and it did not mention that it will raise dKH just ph only.

It does increase alkalinity as well. BRSTV explained the chemistry graphically here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu_To5UZ2c0

For dosage, i mix 1 teaspoon of kalk powder into that 5L water container.The ATO will dose a bit every hour throughout the day/night.

 

[Macateer]

thanks Sub