Alkalinity low, CA & Mg good, how to raise safely?

[Reef_at_Sea]

Hello,

I just did my reef tests & i have the following values:

Temp: 25*C
Salinity: 1.024
Phosphate: 0 (new tank, just moved 1 fish)
Nitrite: 1.0
Nitrates: not tested
Kh: 5.1????
Calcium: 430
Magnesium: 1380
PH: 8,15
Ammonia: 0


What could be the reason why only my Kh is on the low side & how can i raise it safely? I only have “DSR totalreefcare” at hand atm.

Note that there is no LPS or SPS in my tank also not planning to add any LPS or SPS till 6-8 months further.

Or am i safe to let it be low for now & increase it with regular water changes?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Alkalinity always moves up and down much faster than calcium and magnesium moves like a glacier.

But the alk is so low I suspect an error. Try the kit in some new salt water.

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

Alkalinity always moves up and down much faster than calcium and magnesium moves like a glacier.

But the alk is so low I suspect an error. Try the kit in some new salt water.

Kit always did its job, but will do

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

Alkalinity always moves up and down much faster than calcium and magnesium moves like a glacier.

But the alk is so low I suspect an error. Try the kit in some new salt water.

Wasn’t a test error.
Kh is actually 5.1, could it affect my fish or softies and how should i raise it?

 

[Seansea]

Sodium carbonate aka soda ash slowly over a week or so. I like to keep my alk between 8-9.

 

[slythy]

Wasn’t a test error.
Kh is actually 5.1, could it affect my fish or softies and how should i raise it?

Slowly raise it with some Alkalinity booster. I have always used soda ash. I would raise it 0.5dkh a day until its around 8. Do it over like 3 doses so morning lunch dinner.

Fish should be fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Wasn’t a test error.
Kh is actually 5.1, could it affect my fish or softies and how should i raise it?

How do you know it is accurate?

Won’t likely impact those, but I’d raise it to 7 dKH with baking soda if it is low with a different kit.

Heres a calculator:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

How do you know it is accurate?

Won’t likely impact those, but I’d raise it to 7 dKH with baking soda if it is low with a different kit.

Heres a calculator:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

I tested new water as you said, thanks!

 

[Miami Reef]

I tested new water as you said, thanks!

What salt did you use and what was the reading?

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

What salt did you use and what was the reading?

Aquaforest reef salt, it read 7.5!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Then I’d proceed to boost to 7 dKH.

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

Then I’d proceed to boost to 7 dKH.

Picking up baking soda on my way home tomorrow! I like it more safer with your calculator!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Picking up baking soda on my way home tomorrow! I like it more safer with your calculator!

I’d boost it over 3-4 days. Dissolve the indicated amount in fresh water and add to a high flow area away from organisms.