lowering alkalinty

[foneman02]

I've spent the last couple of weeks getting all the conditions in my reef just right. Except my alkalinty level. It's too high. 13.8 dkh. Most corals don't seem to mind. But I've seen the tank look better. Green star polps don't like it. Any suggestions to lower it? :(

Temp 78
cal 420
mag 1200
ph 8.2
nitriate 20 ppm

[Sandworm]

Water changes should help lower it. How did it end up so high? Did you use some sort of combo additive to get your Ca up and you Alk at the same time?

[foneman02]

Thanks for getting back to me. Actually I did something very stupid. I noticed my PH dropping, I have a PH probe, and I added some raise PH. Unfortunately it also raises your alkalinty. I never used to measure it since the tank was doing so well. Eventually it got out of control. I was hoping there was a way to lower it chemically. I guess not.


Thanks again!

[marktuss]

What else can you do to lower the KH? Mine is 20! I only have a cleaner crew in the tank now cause I'm scared to add any coral till the level drops. I do weekly water changes (15gal) & still have high a ALK.
The tank is 8 weeks old.
3 weeks ago my level was 30 & my CA was 150.
So I used some turbo Calcium for 4 days & now my CA is over 500 & the KH is 20. Ugh!

Now what?? When can I add some coral & fish? BTW I'm also dealing w/ a red slime problem. I Love this hobby!

[joanadam]

If you run into any articles relating to adding selzer water to reduce your dkh, this myth is simply not true. Breaking up bicarbonates by adding more CO2 in this form simply makes more and keeps the alkalinity the same.
Sandworm is correct by suggesting water changes to reduce the bicarbonates letting the system balance out naturally.

[Sandworm]

Seawater can only hold so many dissolved solids. As alkalinity increases (the levels of carbonates and bicarbonates) there is less "room" for the saturation of other dissolved elements such as calcium. Calcium and alkalinity in practical applications exist in a tenuous Hi-Lo relationship. This is EXACTLy why you have a high Alk level and very low Calcium level. You will need to do some water changes and then start using a good A-B combo Alk/Ca additives. This will help balance your Alk and Ca. Do nothing for additives until you've done enough water changes and your levels become much closer. I would not start adding something unless its Calcium.