Alkalinity Buffers 10/20/07
Crew,
<Hi Scott>
Can sodium bicarbonate be substituted for Sea-Chem's alkalinity buffer? They say that it is bi-carb based.
<It can be, but I much prefer using Sea Chem Buffer as it is a blended product and not just carbonates. James (Salty Dog)>
Scott

Re: Alkalinity Buffers 10/20/07
Hi James,
<Hello Scotty>
Thank you for the fast response.
<You're welcome.>
Along the same line of thought, I have read much on the topic of pH and buffering, and it has been written that in addition to testing pH and alkalinity, that one should also test acidity. My question is where do I find an acidity test kit I have tried several online stores and have even Googled the subject and cannot find an acidity test kit anywhere. All I can find is that most companies refer to pH as a measure of acidity.
<pH is a measure of both acidity and alkalinity with pH 7.0 being neutral. Readings under 7.0 are considered acidic and readings over 7.0 are alkaline.>
Confused,
<Not any more, but do read here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marphalk.htm James (Salty Dog)>
Scott

Re: Alkalinity Buffers 10/21/07
James,
<Scott, and sorry for the Scotty.>
Dare I correct you? 1) pH is NOT a measure of acidity and alkalinity, it is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
<I realize that, just trying to explain in a easy to absorb format.>
2) Acidity is a measure of resistance (buffering capacity) to an upward change in pH, and 3) Alkalinity is a measure resistance (also buffering capacity) to a downward change in pH. 4) A /low pH reading is acidic, but not acidity, and 5) A high pH reading is alkaline, but not alkalinity. Read the link you referred me to if you are confused. Bob knows what he is talking about.
<Yes, he does, which is why I referred you to the link.>
6) My name is Scott, not Scotty.
<Again, sorry.>
All I wanted to know is WHERE to find an acidity test kit and I finally found one at http://www.aquariumcity.net/Instruments/HI3813AlkAcid.htm
<I've been in this hobby for 30+ years and have never heard of anyone wanting or using an acidity/alkalinity test kit. In my opinion, the standard pH and alkalinity test kits (of good quality) provide all the information that is necessary for my needs.
James (Salty Dog)>
Scott

Questions Regarding Alkalinity
Hi there,
I've searched the FAQs and the net for some quick answers to my questions, but haven't found what I was looking for. It seems that the responses only complicate the answer and confuse me more... So here are the questions Thanks in advance!
1. If my alkalinity is low can I use Kalkwasser to increase it?
<Mmm, no... calcium hydroxide has no carbonate, bicarbonate content...>
2. Will Kalkwasser impact my pH?
<Yes... hydroxides are strong bases...>
3. Is Kalkwasser's main purpose to 'maintain' KH and Ca at the current levels (not used to increase them)?
<... please see WWM re...>
4. Assume that Alk is low and CA is low... should I use separate additives to reach desired levels... and then begin dripping Kalk?
<You can...>
5. Dripping Kalk won't actually increase levels unless it drips faster than the evaporation rate correct?
<What? No... almost all that evaporates is simply water... Please take your time here, learn what these concepts are, their interrelationships... not difficult with some application of your time, focus. See here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/calcalkmar.htm and follow where the linked files at top lead you. Do you have a marine aquarium book? I'd look into Baensch Marine Atlas V.1... for simple, complete explanations of the basics of aquarium chemistry and physics... Bob Fenner>

Saltwater Chemistry 10/31/05
I've had fish in my 40 gallon tank for a month now (after a month of 30 lb of live rock cycling). Future plans call for soft corals.
<Okay>
For the past month, pH has been 8.2 -8.3, temp 75, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.024. Calcium started at 330 and I've slowly increased it to 450 with Kent liquid calcium. My Mardel test kit lists alkalinity at 240 (which is the middle of their buffer zone). How does this alkalinity scale relate to dKH?
<Is one measure... carbonate hardness... generally principal component of total or general hardness... often described as alkalinity: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1968&articleid=2765 >
Before finding your web site, I chose 1 1/2 inches of dolomite as a substrate. It is about 3mm diameter. I'm considering replacing it with 1 inch deep of aragonite.
<Dolomites are compounds of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate... Aragonitic material is principally calcium carbonate... more soluble...>
I thought I would leave a couple inches of the dolomite around the live rock (whose foot print is about 40% of the tank floor) to avoid major stirrings of the tank. Is this a practical move with fish already in the tank?
<Mmm, yes>
Does algae grow on aragonite more or less than dolomite?
<Less in most circumstances>
I've read "Conscientious" a few times and have "Reef Invertebrates" (Calfo & Fenner) and "Aquarium Corals" (Borneman) on my Christmas list.
<Good books. Bob Fenner> 

Restoring Alkalinity 2/17/04
Alkalinity tested way too low at 5dKh.  We had only been using Kent concentrated liq. Ca once a week.  Ca is at 420; Ph 8.0-8.2; other parameters ok except nitrates stay around 10ppm.
<Alkalinity is THE most under-appreciated, misunderstood and commonly mismanaged parameters in marine aquaria.  Many, many aquarists maintain Ca, but aren't aware of the need to maintain Alkalinity in a balanced fashion.>
Tank is 220g w/200# LR; 15 fish (30 in.) 12 moving inverts & 12 mushrooms & corals (not counting 100s of hermits & snails).  Lighting:  5x160w VHO; 2 VHO Actinic Whites 160w run 8 hrs/day.  Skimmer is MPS 450 by Aqua Clear. 4 Maxi Jet powerheads @295gph.
<All sounds good, but don't by into that old rule of thumb of inches of fish per gallon!  Compare for arguments sake, the following: Twelve 1" green Chromis to one 12" Emperor Angel.  The angel has probably 100x the body mass of all of the Chromis combined! With an average size of a 2" fish, you are probably OK, but do be attentive as the grow.  Heavy fish loads will make it harder to keep nitrate down and alk up.>
Yesterday bought Kent Tech CB parts A&B, and used B only at rate recommended on bottle in a.m.  Only raised to 6dKh.  My question is how often can I add this buffer to correct problem.  Should it also be added to R/O top off water?
<It could take A LOT of this product to  restore your alkalinity.  It will be perfectly safe to raise your Alk by 1 dKH per day.  Once your calcium and alkalinity are both in an acceptable range, start using both components to maintain both parameters.>
55g sump looks pretty cruddy, too; as well as column skimmer is in.  How do I clean it?  This project is getting too scientific for my brain!  Please help. Thank you, Kathy Harper
<Cleaning a sump can be tricky.  You can run a long siphon hose down some stairs to a lower floor of your house, or use a wet/dry vacuum.  Skimmers should be removed, disassembled and scrubbed.  Best regards!  Adam>

Re: Restoring Alkalinity 2/22/04
Adam:  Thank u for your prompt assistance.  Is it ok to treat daily to restore alkalinity?
<Glad to!  It is not only OK, but in fact ideal to make small adjustments on a daily basis, rather than larger ones less frequently.  Best Regards.  Adam>

Alkalinity
Hi Crew,
    Many thanks for all the work y'all do in supporting the hobby. I've only been in the game for 2 years now, but I constantly refer to you and have found your book and article recommendations tremendous--enough flattery for now.
<I'll say!>
    My 150 budding reef tank has been very stable for 2 years with slow addition of a few LPS's. Good skimmer and flow with 10% water changes bi-weekly. About 150 lb. of nicely encrusted Fiji with very light fish load and about 2" of aragonite. Only real change of late is to add 2x250 HQI halides to the 4x96 PC's (now all actinic). This was done about 6 weeks ago with a view toward more corals to come. Gradually increasing MH photoperiod to current level of 6 hrs. per day while trying to let algae growth cycle and stabilize with each incremental increase in photoperiod.
<Sounds good>
        My alkalinity has been stable above 9 dKH while Ca has stayed above 400 and pH 8.3 ( I dose with Tech 2 part Calcium buffer at the same level for over 9 months now).
    My problem seems like a total newbie question, but the more I read, the less certain I become of the best solution. Within the past 3 weeks I've found my dKH falling to current 7.7 while Calcium ranges 360-410 and pH still 8.2 or better. Other observations: Some coralline algae (very small percentage of total) near top of tank has died and bleached.
My sand sifting starfish has started spending much more time on top of the sand bed and is rarely ever concealed. Emerald crabs have turned much lighter bleached color from previous green and become more diurnal. Is any of this related? What role is the MH photoperiod playing, and most importantly, how can I reverse the decline in alkalinity?
    Thanks so much in advance for your assistance.
<Good descriptions! All tied to your new lighting... driving photosynthesis... the biomineralizing life and reductive effects of respiration in a closed system exhausting the alkaline reserve... Let's cut to the proverbial chase: You can either restore previous levels with addition of "two part" supplements (alkaline earth... calcium, magnesium... AND alkaline reserve... carbonates, bicarbonates...) OR switch to a "calcium reactor" of sorts... or... Bob Fenner>

Re: alkalinity
Thanks for the prompt reply and affirmation of what I suspected (hoped) was the problem. I've been looking at calcium reactor as next on wish list...
the only question is how urgent or dangerous is this dKH decline and how long before I need to make the addition?
<Mmm, read over www.WetWebMedia.com here... as usual, too much to simply answer in a brief response... that needs to lead to next logical interrogatories... you want to fix this now, someway>
In the meantime I suppose I can increase my dosage of Kent's 2-part Calcium buffer to hold the line until reactor
installation--correct?
<Ah, yes.... I should (as usual) read ahead>
Thanks again for everything-I've been reading your info on Ca reactors and will continue to do so.
<Real good. Bob Fenner>

Soda Ash
Hi Crew,
<Terry>
Just a quick question. I have three reef tanks and live near a soda ash mine. I use the soda ash in the swimming pool to adjust the alkalinity. Will this work in place of the SeaChem Reef Builder that I have been using to adjust alkalinity in the reef tanks? I can buy a 25 lb. bag for about the same price as a jar of the SeaChem. Thanks, and keep up the good work, you all are great!! Terry
<Mmm, well soda ash is simply sodium bicarbonate... baking soda aka... so, you could just buy "Arm & Hammer" instead if this is all you wanted... You will find that the commercial products contain at least a carbonate and an anti-caking additive... At any length, if it were me, my system I would NOT use the soda ash from the mine, for fear of contamination... but would use the processed food grade if all you want is to add bicarbonate... you will find by experimentation that this material will not elevate your pH more than about 7.8... Bob Fenner> 

Alkalinity too high? 3/16/05
Hi, I'm new at marine aquariums and am having some trouble. 
<no worries... its a wonderful learning curve>
I bought a test kit and have been testing for 2 weeks, now. It tests pH, carbonate hardness, NO2, and NO3. I also measure temp., spg, and salinity. I thought everything was great, but I couldn't figure out the carbonate hardness or alkalinity. 
<tough to sum up in a brief e-mail, but the gist of it is total hardness vs. carbonate hardness for starters. If your kit only tests for the latter, no biggie... it is indeed most of the total hardness in seawater>
My brain just couldn't understand for some reason. Finally, it clicked and I've discovered it's way high! However you figure it, these are what I get: 250ppm, or 5.0 meq/l, or 14 degrees carbonate hardness. That's high, right? 
<it is high... not too severely. 12 dKH is high enough as long as your Calcium is a bit flat (under 400 ppm, e.g.)>
How can I fix this? 
<a large water change and some time... no worries>
We used potassium softened tap water originally,
<yikes!>
but then used distilled water and mixed it with Instant Ocean as directed and did a partial water change. 
<hmmm... you may need to buffer the distilled water slightly. Yet with distilled water, I cannot see how your ALK got so high? Have you added SeaBuffer at some point in time? That would be the logical explanation (overdosing SeaBuffer)>
My pH is 8, salinity is 30, and spg is 1.023, temp. holding at 77.
We also set up a small quarantine tank with distilled water and Instant Ocean and came up with the same readings. I don't think it's my water then. In my main tank, a 29 gallon, I am using the Skilter filter, along with 2 airstones. We have a 5 lb. live rock and used live sand/crushed coral as substrate. We do have 2 clown fish, a tang, and 2 small hermit crabs. I had 2 other clowns first, but 1 lasted 7 days, then the second died after 11 days. I don't want to lose any more! Can you help?
<please also read the article "Understanding Calcium and Alkalinity". Do a search for this article on our home page at wetwebmedia.com by using the Google search tool there. Kindly, Anthony>