could it be algae?I've never noticed this phenomenon. What is using the using the alk in a new tank?
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could it be algae?I've never noticed this phenomenon. What is using the using the alk in a new tank?
so in short, what is the problem?I found the explanation:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php
For each ammonia molecule converted into nitrate, one hydrogen ion (H+) is produced. If nitrate is allowed to accumulate to 50 ppm, the addition of this acid will deplete 0.8 meq/L (2.3 dKH) of alkalinity.
However, the news is not all bad. When this nitrate proceeds further along the nitrogen cycle, depleted alkalinity is returned in exactly the amount lost. For example, if the nitrate is allowed to be converted into N2 in a sand bed, one of the products is bicarbonate
I've never noticed this phenomenon. What is using the using the alk in a new tank?
In short there you are all set to go, do some water changes and toss in some GSP. You've got time to figure out the nuances. Just take some time over the next few weeks and read the wealth of inforation handed to you in the links here.so in short, what is the problem?
oh alrighty. thanks i'll try thatIn short there you are all set to go, do some water changes and toss in some GSP. You've got time to figure out the nuances. Just take some time over the next few weeks and read the wealth of inforation handed to you in the links here.
Welcome to the hard side of keeping saltwater... the reef side.
How long should it take for the DKH to go up?Nothing. Your tank is behaving normally. If i'm understanding correctly, it seems this effect is short lived, by the time your tank is ready for coral, your dkh should be relatively stabilized.
I might catch a lot of flack for this but just do 10%-20% biweekly water changes, monitor nitrates and keep an eye on algae blooms. Don't bother looking at DKH or anything else if everything looks okay until you start moving up into tougher LPS and SPS. GSP and soft corals could pretty much live in lightly salted sewage.How long should it take for the DKH to go up?
Yes but soda ash needs higher quantities and affects PH. I like to keep it simple for the beginning. Good old arm and hammer will suffice in this case. Lots of ways to skin this cat though.Go to bulk reef supply .com and get the soda ash bag. Easy to mix and they have a calculator
would doing weekly water changes help with raising alkalinityIt won't go back up until you do a water change or dose, but it should stop permanently depleting in the absence of coral once your cycle matures a bit longer. I don't know the timeline, but you now have several options in your toolbox to maintain alkalinity.
Yes , but make sure you bake it in the oven at 300 for about a hour. It converts it to soda ash, which raises alk but doesn’t effect ph. Regular baking soda drops ph, which could be fatal .Can I just use normal baking soda?
Yes , but make sure you bake it in the oven at 300 for about a hour. It converts it to soda ash, which raises alk but doesn’t effect ph. Regular baking soda drops ph, which could be fatal .
Actually, baking soda will raise ph.Soda ash raises pH. Baking soda has a small temporary effect of lowering pH. OP does not want to raise his pH.
just did a water change and the alk went upYes , but make sure you bake it in the oven at 300 for about a hour. It converts it to soda ash, which raises alk but doesn’t effect ph. Regular baking soda drops ph, which could be fatal .
could it be algae?
Actually, baking soda will raise ph.
If you bake the baking soda it won't raise the ph.