Alkalinity Question

I know this question has been asked on the boards plenty of times before, however, I am having a hard time finding a post for it. Just tested my water and my alkalinity levels are a little high. It's at about 8.8 dKH. I don't have any supplements and I don't want to use any. Is the best way to get the levels straightened out to just do a water change? I did a 20% (5 gallon) water change last night because I was out of town for 5 days and the tank was a bit dirty. I have yet to test my Calcium and pH levels, however I am sure that those will be slightly off as well. I assume that I will be told to make another water change in the next couple of days, however, I might as well ask what the best thing to do is. Thanks for the help and I will post Calcium and pH levels once I get them tested.

Why do you think 8.8 dkh is too high? And, you can't recommend a course of action without the Ca. level as well.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

i was under the impression that alkalinity should be somewhere between 7-8 dKH. My calcium is way low all the way down at 290 ppm.

sillysidewinder said:

i was under the impression that alkalinity should be somewhere between 7-8 dKH. My alkalinity is way low all the way down at 290 ppm.

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Yes you are right 7-8 DKH but alot of people like keeping there dkh at 11. I like to keep my dkh at nature sea level condition witch 6.5-8 DKH

i thought it was supposed to between 8 and 12 dkh. i keep mine between 9.5 and 10 now. it keeps the ph more stable.

Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 8.8 dKH
Calcium: 290 PPM
Nitrate: 30 PPM
Nitrite: .5 PPM
pH: 8.0

sillysidewinder said:

Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 8.8 dKH
Calcium: 290 PPM
Nitrate: 30 PPM
Nitrite: .5 PPM
pH: 8.0

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Your cal is low you need to raise is to 320-380

pdnyc69 said:

i thought it was supposed to between 8 and 12 dkh. i keep mine between 9.5 and 10 now. it keeps the ph more stable.

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Nature sea level are 6.5 to 8 for bet growth and color allot of poeple think the higher it is the faster there coral will grow . Ph never keep and eye on that dkh is more important

yeah yeah, i know. the basis of my questioning is whether or not i should just dose some calcium or do a water change. the tank is 25 gallons. it would be helpful to get a suggestion as to how much calcium to dose...

sillysidewinder said:

yeah yeah, i know. the basis of my questioning is whether or not i should just dose some calcium or do a water change. the tank is 25 gallons. it would be helpful to get a suggestion as to how much calcium to dose...

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Its hard to tell you how much add a little wait and test untill you get it were you want it . As for your alk leave it were it is its not bad

Notice: everything except alkalinity and calcium was tested with a dip strip test, so I figure those readings are slightly skewed. I can't afford all of those test kits right now.

Also, another side note: I've tried to reposition the flow from my HOT Magnum to eliminate the small bubbles that it's been creating. Not quite sure if these are bad for the tank or not. I am in the process of putting my small powerhead in to hopefully cut down on the bubbles.

if you just add some Ca. you will be both raisng the Ca. level and lowering the Alk. level.

The question is, why is your ratio so far off? I'd double check that Ca. reading. Salifert test kit?

Yes Salifert Test Kits. pH kit is hopefully on the way soon, Saltwater Critters was out of stock, they're shipping when they get it in.

Can I also get some suggestions on powerhead placement please? Photos in the thread link located in my signature.

Another side note: how often should i change the carbon media in my HOT Magnum?

ecotech vortech mp10

sillysidewinder said:

Can I also get some suggestions on powerhead placement please? Photos in the thread link located in my signature.

Another side note: how often should i change the carbon media in my HOT Magnum?

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Every 2 week you change carbon

thanks. ill get on that.

Check your Mag levels as it is the buffer for ALK & Cal.

this link should guide you with dosing amounts.

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

Thank you very much darock. that is very useful/helpful.