water tests raise questions

[jaded]

I've been using the Salifert cal and alk tests every day or every other day for about a week now and its raised some questions

Apr 16, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 415
KH value in dKH: 7.7


It was suggested that I need to add buffer to raise the dkH to ~10. I also thought that the calcium could be a bit higher.

I waited for a week before I was able to buy some Kent Pro Buffer.
I took another test after adding 40cc's of the buffer (I dont have my notes with me at work so the rest of the dates and results are approx.)
Apr 27, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 410
KH value in dKH: 8.0


Another 40 cc's of the buffer
Apr 28, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 410
KH value in dKH: 7.8


Another 40 cc's of the buffer
Apr 30, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 410
KH value in dKH: 7.8


Another 40 cc's of the buffer. I also started to add the last of a bottle of Kent concentrated calcium
May 1, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 410
KH value in dKH: 7.8


Another 40 cc's of the buffer and calcium
May 3, 2005
Calcium concentrated in ppm: 410
KH value in dKH: 7.8


I dont see any positive change at all and I'm nearly half way through this bottle. I dont know exactly what to expect from the buffer, and I have plans to get the gallon jug of b-ionic when I'm out of this stuff, but shouldn't I see at least some increase in alk? Its actually gone down!!!

[alexwolf]

Let me guess, using Oceanic salt?

[jaded]

well... on the last 30-60 gallons of water changes yes... otherwise no, it was IO

[Richard]

I would suspect that Kent Pro Buffer is a pretty wimpy buffer because it is a liquid and the fact that Kent does not mention how much of an increase in Alk each dose will give. Try a dry buffer like Super Buffer DKH, Marine Buffer, Reef Builder, DIY Baking soda/washing soda, etc.

[jaded]

Do you have a link to the DIY buffer? Thats the second time I've heard it mentioned and I'm interested in DIY stuff in general

[z28pwr]

What's your PH at and like Richard says Super Buffer DKH in powder form will raise your Alkalinity (trust me, mine was up over 18dkh).

[jaded]

the PH never has changed from 8.2... I guess I just got the wrong stuff

[alton]

I love Kent Salt and Zoecon. Although members are trying to get me to change to Selcon, we will see. But it stops there, I think you can be the person who has in there cabinet a pill for everything that ails you, or just keep the basics SALT and RO Water

[jaded]

I'm not a proponent of trace elements, garlic, vitamins and so on... I'm not saying that those things arent good, I just dont personally use them. I do however think it's important to keep the basic building blocks at levels that makes life on the corals and fish a lot easier. I enjoy watching the growth and the blooming colors so I would like to keep the alk, cal, ph, amm, nitrate, nitrite... in the right spot

[GaryP]

That's one reason I don't use the liquid buffer, its high priced RO water IMO.

Call me for info on the DIY buffer. I'll PM you my number.

[jaded]

cool thanks