Posting params. Need advice on raising pH and dkh

[90addict]

Don't pay attention to salinity. Bought a used apex El and salinity needs recalibrated or replaced. Phosphate I've been slowly bringing down. I started the tank with tap water (face slap). Tank is 4-5 months old and started with 15+yr old live rock (40lbs). 55gl tank and building basement sump as we speak... To the question... How can I manually dose to raise pH and alk? I have "seachem reef buffer" but saw some horrible posts on here about it. What would you recommend?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The alkalinity is fine. pH is addressed by lowering CO2 somehow.

How are you measuring pH?

 

[90addict]

The alkalinity is fine. pH is addressed by lowering CO2 somehow.

How are you measuring pH?

With the Neptune pH probe. Granted, I haven't recalibrated after buying it second hand a week ago

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

With the Neptune pH probe. Granted, I haven't recalibrated after buying it second hand a week ago

Ok, well, that’s the first step.

 

[90addict]

Ok, well, that’s the first step.

Ok I'll circle back in a couple days. Ordered recalibration fluid earlier today. Thank you

 

[rishma]

While alkalinity is ok, I personally prefer it a little higher. You can use baking soda to raise and sustain it. Lots of threads in Randy’s 2 part recipes.

 

[90addict]

While alkalinity is ok, I personally prefer it a little higher. You can use baking soda to raise and sustain it. Lots of threads in Randy’s 2 part recipes.

I'll try to search around and find that info