Lower alkalinity in a reef tank

[Jasper73]

Is it safe to use white vinegar in a reef tank to lower the alkalinity (11.5)?
If so how should it be dosed?

 

[edsbeaker]

Is it safe to use white vinegar in a reef tank to lower the alkalinity (11.5)?
If so how should it be dosed?

Do you know what is causing the alkalinity to be that high?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is it safe to use white vinegar in a reef tank to lower the alkalinity (11.5)?
If so how should it be dosed?

Nope. Vinegar does not reduce alkalinity after it gets metabolized.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid are the ways. There are recipe threads for these.

 

[Jasper73]

Do you know what is causing the alkalinity to be that high?

I missed read my last alkaline test to low, added 8.3 buffer and now I'm at 11.5

 

[edsbeaker]

I missed read my last alkaline test to low, added 8.3 buffer and now I'm at 11.5

Gotcha!
Adding Sodium bisulfate will work to lower them, but it would be fine to let levels come down naturally on there own over the course of a few days depending on how much alkalinity you lose each day. That may also be less stressful for them since you won’t be moving from one extreme to another quickly.

 

[Jasper73]

Thank you, it's just my pink purple anemones is taking a beating right now. It's tentacles seem to be in bad shape.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Gotcha!
Adding Sodium bisulfate will work to lower them, but it would be fine to let levels come down naturally on there own over the course of a few days depending on how much alkalinity you lose each day. That may also be less stressful for them since you won’t be moving from one extreme to another quickly.

I second letting it come down naturally.

 

[edsbeaker]

Thank you, it's just my pink purple anemones is taking a beating right now. It's tentacles seem to be in bad shape.

I think it may do more harm to it to suddenly drop your level of alkalinity. He is adapting to the change, and making another sudden change could likely make things worse.

 

[Jasper73]

I think it may do more harm to it to suddenly drop your level of alkalinity. He is adapting to the change, and making another sudden change could likely make things worse.

Thank you for the advice!