pH- Alk dosing question?

[andyb]

Hello all,

 

I have question before I begin adding CA, Alk, and Mg. My readings are as follows:

 

Ca 400

kH 3.8meq/L

Mg 1125

pH 7.8-8.0

 

My corals have stopped growing and are beginning to degrade; so I want to dial my essential elements in. I have the BRS recipe 1 and I am ready to dose. I am confused as to why my kH would be high and my pH at around 7.9? Is this possible or a common problem?

 

I have used Bulk Reef Supplies reef calculator. It does not calculate or provide dosage recommendations if kH is high. My chemistry knowledge is minimal and I am a rookie when it comes to dosing.

 

Thanks for any input or advice.

 

Andy

[Rocket]

I use and trust this calculator:

 

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

 

not familar with BRS #1. have link, would like to read up. The more you know!!!

[andyb]

I use and trust this calculator:

 

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

 

not familar with BRS #1. have link, would like to read up. The more you know!!!

 

Thanks for the link... good information on reef chemistry.

 

Is it possible to have a high alkalinity reading and a low pH reading? I am wondering if my readings are off.

[Fnard]

Im currently having the same problems. measured my fresh ro/di before mixing and saltwater b4 waterchange and it was low. salt mix must be culprit in my case. i am currently using seachem buffer and hoping this helps.

[lakshwadeep]

Don't worry about pH when you're dosing. It depends on a lot of variables (carbonate alkalinity is only one part); it might be best to ignore it so you don't start overdosing based solely on pH.

 

What corals are not growing well? All your readings are not bad. This is a good guide to supplementation:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php