More Evaporation + Kalk Reactor = high ph

[ks_reeftank]

with the weather changing , having more evaporation and my ATO and Kalk reactor has got my ph to 8.6 right now. im going to add some freshwater a little at a time instead of letting the ATO take care of it. but for the long term, im guessing i should put less kalk in the reactor right

 

[Usctom]

I use vinegar in my top off water. It helps keep your pH down.

 

[ks_reeftank]

i actually just started reading on dosing vinegar or vodka . going to put some vinegar in the top off water right now. thanks for the reply

 

[ks_reeftank]

How much vinegar do u use? I put a little in top off water. ph still 8.66 today

 

[Usctom]

You have to start slow. I would start with 5ml per gallon of of top off water. Then gradually work your way up.

 

[Palting]

More importantly, what's your alk and calcium levels?

 

[ks_reeftank]

alk by hanna meter says 7.952 . have red sea Ca test kit, will do that in morning

 

[ks_reeftank]

will be awhile on Ca results. the test kit i ordered online came with the "C" liquid spilled out. will have to order more. will be doing small water changes in meantime just as precaution. i think all is ok. just starting out with corals and testing so probably have more questions and post to come. thanks

 

[ks_reeftank]

update : recieved the Ca test kit refill from BRS , very fast shipping on that, much thanks to them. reading 425 on the Ca , not too bad. So with the alk good and Ca good, im not to worried. ph swings from 8.3 to 8.55 as of now. that is with me putting 10ml of vinegar in the top off water. my only concern is that up until now the ph was more like 8.1 to 8.3x . just weird to me that all the sudden it was going above 8.6 and didnt want it out of hand. i did start slow in the vinegar, putting in just 5ml per gallon then a week later going to 10ml . thanks to all

 

[mcarroll]

First, I don't think that pH range is too bad as long as 8.6 is really the extent of it. Unless you are seeing animals stressing from it, I'd be very hesitant to make ANY changes based on this.

As far as adding vinegar, here's my favorite guide:
kalkwasser

-Matt