Need to increase my dkh. Help

[bambo]

Good morning everyone. i did some testing last night and my results are as follows. ph 7.8, alk 6.4, nitrate 9.9, pho .07 cal 462. i know i need to get my alk up before my coral start to suffer. what the best way to do this. baking soad has been suggested but honestly it make me nervous. Please help

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Baking soda is fine, but coming up with a long term plan is also good.

What is in the tank?

 

[bambo]

Baking soda is fine, but coming up with a long term plan is also good.

What is in the tank?

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

 

[bambo]

Baking soda is fine, but coming up with a long term plan is also good.

What is in the tank?

Is it the best option?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

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

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This has more info:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/pros-and-cons-of-alkalinity-and-calcium-dosing-methods.1069/

 

[bambo]

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

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

 

[KStatefan]

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

I would mix a gallon of Randy's receipe #2 (297 grams baking soda to make 1 gallon of solution) to have on hand to make alk adjustments .

 

[bambo]

so according to the calc. i need to add 1.8 tsp of baking soda. so can i just mix that in a half gallon pitcher with rodi water and add it to the tank? maybe add it over the cousre of 48 hrs?

 

[X-37B]

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

Esv 2 part is simple and easy to use if you want pre mixed.

 

[bambo]

Esv 2 part is simple and easy to use if you want pre mixed.

What about seachem reef fusion 2 i can get that locally

 

[exnisstech]

In additional to the DIY recipes All for reef is another option. I use it and also ESV 2 part in separate tanks with good results. I have no experience with redsea stuff

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

so according to the calc. i need to add 1.8 tsp of baking soda. so can i just mix that in a half gallon pitcher with rodi water and add it to the tank? maybe add it over the cousre of 48 hrs?

Yes, but it need not be nearly that much water. :)

 

[bambo]

Yes, but it need not be nearly that much water. :)

How much water is needed? How long should it set before adding? And how much should I add at once? Will this turn my tank cloudy?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How much water is needed? How long should it set before adding? And how much should I add at once? Will this turn my tank cloudy?

Won’t cloud the tank after it mixes in. Any amount of water is fine if it dissolves. A cup is fine. As long as it dissolves it need not sit.

 

[bambo]

Won’t cloud the tank after it mixes in. Any amount of water is fine if it dissolves. A cup is fine. As long as it dissolves it need not sit.

Oh, that’s very interesting. How much should I add at once I was under the impression that I need to take it slow and make minor increases as not to sway things all at once. Will this have any effect on my pH? I know my pH is low, and according to the calculator, I don’t want to raise or lower it too much at once.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Won’t make much impact on pH. A tiny lowering when first added.

Adding 0.25 dKH twice a day is a fine rate for the rise you are talking about.

 

[JayM]

so according to the calc. i need to add 1.8 tsp of baking soda. so can i just mix that in a half gallon pitcher with rodi water and add it to the tank? maybe add it over the cousre of 48 hrs?

I mix mine with about 16 oz (.5l) of RODI and add about 1/3 of the mixture at a time to the tank. Usually when I go to work, just before bed, and again on the way to work.

 

[bambo]

Won’t make much impact on pH. A tiny lowering when first added.

Adding 0.25 dKH twice a day is a fine rate for the rise you are talking about.

Ok so according to the Calc. Adding .2 tsp or 1 gram. So mix that with rodi water and add it to the tank twice a day? So this should take roughly 4 days?

 

[bambo]

I mix mine with about 16 oz (.5l) of RODI and add about 1/3 of the mixture at a time to the tank. Usually when I go to work, just before bed, and again on the way to work.

How much are you mixing?