Alkalinity

[SLAYCHILD]

How do you bring down the ALK level in the tank if it's to high?

[ou812pezz]

This helped me with Chemistry issues.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

[GaryP]

Alkalinity will fall pretty quickly on its own without any further dosing. Its used up by being neutralized by acids produced by bacteria in the system. What are you calling high alkalinity?

[SLAYCHILD]

550ppm

[GaryP]

Houston we have a problem!

550 ppm = 11 meq = 30.5 DKH

There are actually three seperate units for alkalinity. ppm is the least commonly used one but some kits use it. I'm not sure that 550 ppm is even possible. If it is true, then your calcium is probably going to be almost non-existent. Before you do anything drastic I suggest you get someone else to confirm your numbers with another kit. If you don't know anyone that can run it for you, take it to an LFS and ask them to run it for you. Also, I would suggest you re-read the directions to your test kit and make sure you are seeing the correct color change for the test.

[SLAYCHILD]

My Ph is at 8.2. Calcium is still a little hight from the last time we talked about it on the other post. Its sitting at 480ppm. I tested my ALK and I drop 11 drops in it and i used to chart the kit gave me and it said it was a 550ppm. Ill test it again to night and see if maybe it was a false reading, Thanks Gary.

[GaryP]

If your calcium is at 480 ppm, I can pretty comfortably say that your alkalinity is not at 550 ppm. I would be surprised if it was much more then 50 ppm. You want your alkalinity to be around 150 to 180 ppm.

[SLAYCHILD]

Ok thanks again. I guess i really need to test it again. The book it comes with tells me that I need to devide it by 2 i think and it says, "or use chart" so the I added 11 drops untill it turn yellow and i looked at the chart and 11 drops told me 550ppm. Ill just retest it again tonight, thanks again Gary

[GaryP]

What brand kit are you using?

[SLAYCHILD]

Ill let you know tonight.