Need to increase my dkh. Help

[MnFish1]

Have you double checked your test with another reliable method? I wouldn't do anything unless you have. Second a water change will decrease the nitrate in your display tank. A water change in your frag tank will also increase your alkalinity - depending on your other parameters

 

[bambo]

These numbers were a few hrs after I did a water change. I only did 1 test with my Hana testers. Except ph I did with api kit

 

[winxp_man]

It’s a frag tank. So lots of coral and some inverts. I haven’t tested my display yet as it just finished cycling and I’m trying to get nitrates down. The frag tank is my main focus because of all the coral in it

Nitrates at 9.9 should be good for a frag tank. Had mine bottom out once my tank was fishless and it sure was not a good thing whatsoever. Ended up having to dose for nitrate increase, not just alk, calc, and mag.

 

[bambo]

Nitrates at 9.9 should be good for a frag tank. Had mine bottom out once my tank was fishless and it sure was not a good thing whatsoever. Ended up having to does for nitrate increase, not just alk, calc, and mag.

Mainly worried about my low ph hurting my torch coral

 

[MnFish1]

These numbers were a few hrs after I did a water change. I only did 1 test with my Hana testers. Except ph I did with api kit

Do you think perhaps your salt was mixed incorrectly - I would still verify the low Alkalinity with a second test (different brand, etc) - before changing anything. Additionally, depending on how much of a water change you did -it may not have been enough. (and depending on the salt you're using).

 

[bambo]

Do you think perhaps your salt was mixed incorrectly - I would still verify the low Alkalinity with a second test (different brand, etc) - before changing anything. Additionally, depending on how much of a water change you did -it may not have been enough. (and depending on the salt you're using).

I use Fritz RPM salt. I mixed the salt to 1.024 and let them sit for several hours with a powerhead for circulation. My frag tank holds roughly 36 gallons and I did about a 9 gallon water change.

 

[bambo]

Do you think perhaps your salt was mixed incorrectly - I would still verify the low Alkalinity with a second test (different brand, etc) - before changing anything. Additionally, depending on how much of a water change you did -it may not have been enough. (and depending on the salt you're using).

I’ve not paid much attention to alkalinity until recently, and I know the past couple of times. I have checked it. It was around seven.

 

[JayM]

How much are you mixing?

About 2.5 teaspoons to raise 1dKH in 100 gallons. I typically only need to do so every 2 or 3 months. Alk stays pretty steady for the most part.

 

[Reefering1]

What kind of corals? Post pictures...

 

[bambo]

What kind of corals? Post pictures...

Nothing special

 

[Airedale Reef]

Not sure if this has been suggested, but a quick way to increase dKH, as well as boost PH is to add Kalkwasser. I simply use this in my ATO.

 

[Kkressman]

Is there a pre mixed solution I could use that’s as good?

TM All-For-Reef is an all in one and only requires one dosing pump. If you have corals actively growing need to be dosing something, unless you are doing 100% water changes your DKH and Calcium are going to decrease over time.

 

[Lori_inFL]

Do you think perhaps your salt was mixed incorrectly - I would still verify the low Alkalinity with a second test (different brand, etc) - before changing anything. Additionally, depending on how much of a water change you did -it may not have been enough. (and depending on the salt you're using).

I use Fritz RPM salt. I mixed the salt to 1.024 and let them sit for several hours with a powerhead for circulation. My frag tank holds roughly 36 gallons and I did about a 9 gallon water change.

Interesting as I found your thread searching for low dkh. First day I tested w/ Tropic Marin I had 7, next day 6. Skip a day and maybe a bit over 6 as pink was still a little purpley. Also using Fritz RPM salt which is supposed to be 8 - 8.5. Next time I test will use 10 ml SW and 1/2 the drop count. Where did you find the calculation for amount of baking soda?

 

[MnFish1]

Interesting as I found your thread searching for low dkh. First day I tested w/ Tropic Marin I had 7, next day 6. Skip a day and maybe a bit over 6 as pink was still a little purpley. Also using Fritz RPM salt which is supposed to be 8 - 8.5. Next time I test will use 10 ml SW and 1/2 the drop count. Where did you find the calculation for amount of baking soda?

Sorry - I'm not sure what you mean 'the calculation for baking soda'?

 

[Lori_inFL]

Sorry - I'm not sure what you mean 'the calculation for baking soda'?

Sorry I didn't post but I found it. Part of the JDieck calculator.

 

[Reef_Squirrel]

It’s as good as any for the moment. Then switch over to some sort of balanced alk and calcium system.

This calculator shows how much is needed:

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

Love this calculator! Thank you for providing it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You’re welcome.

Happy Reefing!