The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank

http://brs.li/TwoPart Corals and other organisms in our tanks reduce alkalinity and we need to replenish it if we want colorful, healthy, growing tanks. Replenishing alkalinity can be as simple as testing now and then and dosing an additive to raise it back up. Many experienced reefers agree that alkalinity is the single most important element to monitor and maintain in our tanks. Alkalinity serves two major roles, first is maintaining the pH (or acidity) of the tank. Second is providing carbonate and bicarbonate, which is the basis for how corals stay healthy and grow. While alkalinity is a generalized term, in the reef tank we are almost always referring to carbonate alkalinity because bicarbonate and carbonate make up a vast majority of the alkalinity in a typical reef tank. This means when I use an alkalinity test, I'm really testing for two things; to ensure the alkalinity is correct so the water can properly buffer and maintain the tanks pH, but also to make sure the water contains enough carbonate to supply the corals and coralline algae to support health, growth and likely coloration. Watch this video to learn more about alkalinity and its effect on your reef tank. Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BulkReefSupply Check out our pics on Instagram: http://instagram.com/bulkreefsupply *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. and its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank sentiment_very_dissatisfied 19

Reef tank 9 years ago 59,819 views

http://brs.li/TwoPart Corals and other organisms in our tanks reduce alkalinity and we need to replenish it if we want colorful, healthy, growing tanks. Replenishing alkalinity can be as simple as testing now and then and dosing an additive to raise it back up. Many experienced reefers agree that alkalinity is the single most important element to monitor and maintain in our tanks. Alkalinity serves two major roles, first is maintaining the pH (or acidity) of the tank. Second is providing carbonate and bicarbonate, which is the basis for how corals stay healthy and grow. While alkalinity is a generalized term, in the reef tank we are almost always referring to carbonate alkalinity because bicarbonate and carbonate make up a vast majority of the alkalinity in a typical reef tank. This means when I use an alkalinity test, I'm really testing for two things; to ensure the alkalinity is correct so the water can properly buffer and maintain the tanks pH, but also to make sure the water contains enough carbonate to supply the corals and coralline algae to support health, growth and likely coloration. Watch this video to learn more about alkalinity and its effect on your reef tank. Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BulkReefSupply Check out our pics on Instagram: http://instagram.com/bulkreefsupply *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. and its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

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Most popular comments
for The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank

Jay edwards
Jay edwards - 6 years ago
I almost never test my parameters (I know, I know) but I did a test two days ago and my numbers were a little off, alk was waaayyy too high cal and mag was a little low, I'm trying to figure out how to lower the alk, i have a SPS dom system, run a calcium reactor.. if i increase my effluent to increase my CA and MG my guess is it will raise the DKH as well.. any info would be appreciated
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
In most cases, lowering alkalinity effectively may be best done with several water changes with a salt mix with lower alkalinity levels. :-)
salohciN D
salohciN D - 7 years ago
Little known fact corals can create some of their own carbonate intracellularly with internal CO2
samuel lee
samuel lee - 7 years ago
Hi Brs team, how do I reduce alk? My Alk is 11.6 and Calcium is over 500. ):
oh and also, I'm not dosing anything. Just water change using Red sea coral pro salt.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! I wouldn't say that there's much you can do to lower those levels, since they are pretty close to what Red Sea states they should be. Your best bet would be to change salt brands to something that more closely matches your desired levels. I really like that blue bucket Red Sea salt!
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 7 years ago
Hi, you said 1 cup and 2 tablespoons how much is that in grams? Thanks.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! Unfortunately I do not have those conversions available. Weight will be different from volume depending on the substance. It may be best if you could pour 1cup and 2Tbs on a scale and find out that way. :-)
me 90s
me 90s - 7 years ago
How often should I add the additive
me 90s
me 90s - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom thanks I'm a newbie lmao
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! The amount of alkalinity and calcium you dose your tank with will be directly related to your daily consumption from your tank of both. To figure out your specific tank's needs, you will have to test for Alk/Ca on a daily basis to get an idea of how fast the levels fall.


You can then use that information and our calculator to determine your daily dosage amount! :-)
Jose Flores
Jose Flores - 7 years ago
what kind of power heads are those?!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Those are EcoTech Marine Vortech MP40wQD! ;-) We have them at the link below!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vortech-mp40w-qd-propeller-pump-ecotech-marine.html
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 7 years ago
What kind of anthias are at 0.26? Great video btw, keep up the good work at BRS.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Those are female Lyretail anthias! :-)
ruben panchito
ruben panchito - 7 years ago
Check out my tank I Just upgrade
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
An Achilles Tang, my favorite! Looking good!
Nick Stevenson
Nick Stevenson - 7 years ago
my ph is 8.2 and my Alkalinity is 10.4 dkh, is that good or bad?
PowerfulLeviB
PowerfulLeviB - 7 years ago
Gabriel Suarez that's right on point

10. comment for The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank

maralson
maralson - 8 years ago
Hi liked the video but, if you want to maintain your alkalinity and keep your PH up using sodium carbonate what strength do you make a solution and how much do you dose in relation to your tank volume ie; 400 litres so if your tank drops 1.6 dkh over 3 days? How much sodium do you add to a gallon of ro/di water and how much do you dose?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Anytime!
maralson
maralson - 8 years ago
Cheers thanks for that and the speedy reply !
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Our 2 part makes it easy. You'll want to mix 2 cups of soda ash into a gallon of RO/DI. Then you can use our Reef Calculator to determine the dose:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator/
Smock Knives
Smock Knives - 8 years ago
What is my Hanna Checker says 8.45dkh and my red sea pro test kit says 7.6dkh? They are not old test kits. Which one do I use?
Smock Knives
Smock Knives - 7 years ago
Yes?
Trevor Potter
Trevor Potter - 7 years ago
Smock Knives
Smock Knives
Smock Knives - 8 years ago
Ok thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Ok, I gotcha! I would probably recommend sticking with the Hanna. The Red Sea relies on your eye and where you perceive the color change which could vary the result. consistency is key with test kits.
Smock Knives
Smock Knives - 8 years ago
I've done several with both and the hanna is consistently higher by almost 1dKH. Which is not good. That is a big difference and I have no clue if I should be raising my Alk or leaving it alone. ??
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
I would recommend doing a couple tests to get an average.
Creador De Redes
Creador De Redes - 8 years ago
hi, how to lower the calcium? I have 520 ppm on my 220gl tank, for some reason the calcium rise up, Iam using Kalkwasser
John C
John C - 8 years ago
how come when i dose my alkalinity i get a lot of snowflakes floating around? thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Nope, having some is unavoidable and it's relatively harmless since they should dissolve relatively quickly :)
John C
John C - 8 years ago
my doser's on the slowest setting and it drops on top of my powerhead however sometimes the powerheads are off pending on the cycle it's on.. i don't have a overflow so this is all i can do.. do these flakes hurt anything? corals? thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
That's localized precipitation. I would recommend dosing slowly into a higher flow area of your aquarium.
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
how do I lower KH? mine is always sitting around 10-12. I just switched salts. red sea pro to red sea normal. my calcium is at 450. maybe it will take a few water changes or maybe it's fine this way. please help. thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Thanks Joshua! Happy to help, keep us updated.
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom I did move it last night higher in the tank with less water flow. started to come out more. maybe heading in right direction. thanks for all the help and thanks for the best videos out there for are hobby.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Ok, I would make sure it's not in an area of too high of flow or a place where it is getting picked on or stung by another critter. Other than that it sounds good. Might just be adjusting to your tank :)
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom its on the bottom. I do have a couple of other acans that are higher in the tank. there growing. the monster machine now has 4 new heads growing just the main head won't open.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Do you have it in an area of too high of flow or light?
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom OK thanks.I'm going to do another water change this weekend. monster machine still won't come out. who knows.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Ok, I would double check your test kit, otherwise you are on the right path. :)
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom everything is doing good except the Birds nest. that lost some of its tissue. I did just get a monster machine acan on Saturday. it won't open.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Ok, I see. Are they growing pretty well for you?
josh p
josh p - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom I have a birds nest and some lps
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joshua Payette Switching to a lower alkalinity salt will surely help, but I would also recommend double checking your test kit against another test to ensure it's accurate. Do you have any stony corals currently?
Indulge winz
Indulge winz - 8 years ago
hi..
i used KH BUFFER around 1.5 tsp for my 300ltr tank (mostly corals) but after few hours my tank become little bit cloudy.. is it normal?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Indulge winz No problem, happy to help!
Indulge winz
Indulge winz - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom thanks alot BRS team for helping me out. im going to continue for few more times untill best results.. but i never go for vodka yet..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Indulge winz It sounds like you are ok :) Sugar dosing, or any sort of carbon dosing, can be tricky. You've gotta stay with it if you are planning on using it for the best results.
Indulge winz
Indulge winz - 8 years ago
kh-7
no3- 25++ (used sugar to reduce)
ca - 520
mg - 1400

but now after 2 days water is clear already, after using sugar i skimmed around 3ltrs through my bubble magus-7.
did i made mistake some where? what do u advise of using sugar? ,y tank is around 80 gallons /300ltrs +sump
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Indulge winz It's really tough to say because it will depend on your tank chemistry. What are your calcium and alkalinity levels at?
Jordan Burns
Jordan Burns - 9 years ago
how do I use instant ocean sea buffer? it says 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons. I have a 20 gallon tank, i wanna get the ph from 7.8 to 8.2. I have at least 20 pounds of live rock and 20 pounds of sand, i also have 2 ocellaris clownfish. it doesn't say if this is soda ash or not. i need to raise the ph, not lower it
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Jordan Burns Ok, I see! Generally I would recommend dosing based off of your alkalinity and calcium levels in your tank. If your alkalinity and calcium are within the proper ranges then generally your pH follows suit. pH is a function of the amount of CO2 dissolved in your tank so getting fresh air to the tank generally helps with low pH issues. To be honest 7.8 is pretty normal and I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Do you happen to know what your calcium and alkalinity levels are at?
wincod75
wincod75 - 9 years ago
So my tank is only around 100 days old, alkalinity running consistent at 6 dKH. Using BRS Soda Ash to dose on a small drip keeping PH around 8.3. My salinity rises faster than my alkalinity, once I cut back dosing to lower salinity, dKH drops back to 6, Calcium holds between 400 - 440. Suggestions?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+TheWincod75 Are you running an Auto topoff to replace evaporated water? The alk solution shouldn't affect your pH that much in my experience. Are you just dosing that alk solution to meet a specific pH? Personally I would measure your alkalinity, and then adjust using our reef calculator. That way you'll be able to maintain the dKh you want, while also having your pH follow suit.
KALIMAN10100
KALIMAN10100 - 9 years ago
I am having a bit of an issue when my calcium is low i raise it but when i do the ph goes down and then when i raise my ph the calcium goes down what should i do to keep them both in a good level
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+KALIMAN10100 What levels are your calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium at? Usually when your alkalinity level is stable at 7-11 dKh your pH follows suit. A deficiency in magnesium could also result in the odd calcium balance you are seeing.
nanocrsurf11
nanocrsurf11 - 9 years ago
Hey thanks for the video, just one thing,

i mix it in freshwater? or saltwater from my tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+nanocrsurf11 You'll want to mix the powder into RODI water, and then dose your tank accordingly with that solution.

20. comment for The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank

Rico Suave
Rico Suave - 9 years ago
Ok so if I had some rodi water with 0tds 0gh 0kh and used this to get a 2kh will it affect my gh?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Rico Suave Oh boy, it's been a while since I've used my freshwater tank chemistry. Let me dust it off quick...:) In theory the Soda Ash will only contribute to your carbonate hardness and not the general hardness. I'm not sure we ever have tested it on freshwater setups, but If I had to guess that is the result you would see.
shortyfolker101
shortyfolker101 - 9 years ago
I just have to say you guys are very informative and make it very easy to understand.  Please keep this up, everyone should know this chemistry and understand it, not just for the reef tank but the effect toward everything.  Your not keeping a reef tank, your keeping pristine water =)!!  Please set up a shop in maryland pa ill be your first application!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+shortyfolker101 Thanks! And we totally agree!
Bruce Ashcraft
Bruce Ashcraft - 9 years ago
Great informational video but may I ask where did yo get your RO/DI holding containers ? Thank you Bruce
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Bruce Ashcraft Thanks!  We purchased our containers from Norwesco, but you can find them at local plumbing supply or farm supply stores since they can be pricey to ship.  
915Mang
915Mang - 9 years ago
Ok, I was wondering what these where. SInce most of the videos are about kalwasser. Great video, thanks BRS!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+915Mang Thanks!  Glad we could help.
chris155hp
chris155hp - 9 years ago
So I still don't get the difference between doing soda ash vs sodium bicarbonate? Other then the ph swing is there any difference for coral take up and skeleton building?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+chris155hp The concentrations may be slightly different, but you won't notice a difference in growth between the two.  The main difference is related to pH.  Soda Ash raises pH, and bicarbonate has a neutral or slightly lowering effect on pH.  
Felix The Cat
Felix The Cat - 9 years ago
I personally only use liquified versions of this. The powder shutdown some of my pumps from buildup. My return pump was one of them.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Felix The Cat Ok, I gotcha!
Felix The Cat
Felix The Cat - 9 years ago
I think I over did it. Was not very precision and took a really long time for calcium to come down as it was high.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Felix The Cat Interesting. It could have been precipitating due to the low magnesium, or it wasn't being added to a high flow area or something.
Felix The Cat
Felix The Cat - 9 years ago
No was mixing it up a while then very slow dripping  little.  My ph is always at 8.6 and calcium is good. Do not seem to have to add that much frequently. Now at the time had a mag-950. With separated impeller  type like blueline not a problem.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Felix The Cat Interesting!  Are you premixing the powder before adding it to the tank?
Brodie Ward
Brodie Ward - 9 years ago
Ryan, that's not Aptasia I see at the 24 second mark under that acro ?
Mr Nice
Mr Nice - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom so it's a rare form of aptasia then? Who an earth would pay $14000? Mad ppl that's who.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Brodie Ward Nope!  Totally not, it's an ultra super rare form of glass anemone that I sell at $14,000 per polyp. ;)
Chantal lombardo greenberg
Chantal lombardo greenberg - 9 years ago
What do you do if alkalinity is too high?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Chantal lombardo greenberg The best thing in this situation to do is to let it come down naturally on it's own.  
EWRothbot
EWRothbot - 9 years ago
Fun and informative as usual!  Thank you BRS!
(quick note, the video links at the end don't seem to be working)...
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+EWRothbot Thanks, we have a fix in the works.  Glad you enjoyed the video!
Nvizn1
Nvizn1 - 9 years ago
Great video!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Nvizn1 Thanks!

30. comment for The important role of alkalinity in your reef tank

GENISIS1TWENTYONE
GENISIS1TWENTYONE - 9 years ago
always love the educational videos you all do
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+GENISIS1TWENTYONE Thanks!  Glad you enjoy BRSTV.

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