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jesusq

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I've been adding Alkaline8.3 to the tank to bring my PH level up to 8.3. The tank been stuck between 7.8 and 8.05 and won't go up any more. I have gradually been adding the alkaline8.3 as recommended, waiting it's 24 hours before adding more.

I currently have a 120Gal tank with a 35gal sump. I only added Tim's one and only bacteria and also added a small cleaning crew.

But I am getting a shipment today and while noticing the glass being covered with a white lining, I tested the parameters of the tank and the Calcium is 430, but the alkalinity is 300. I think this is what's causing the white layer on the glass. Is this going to be harm to the shipment that I'm adding in, it's mostly invertibrates, now can I lower the alkalinity and how can I get rid of the white lining on the glass, I can't even take it out with a blade.

Having a difficult time uploading an image. If not I would post an image.
 
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Wow that's high alk. Only way to lower it is through water changes. Really in the future with saltwater, don't worry about pH levels, unless they're way out of line. 7.8 is low but not going to cause issues.

Not sure on the white haze, especially if a razor blade doesn't do anything for it.

~I've also moved this thread to the general reef forum, you'll get more replies there :)
 

3CC

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I'm guessing you are using the powder?

How are you adding this supplement to your system? Premixing with rodi? Adding direct to pump or powerhead area?
Where are you adding it? Sump? Tank?

What is your skimmer doing?
 

inigomontoya

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I always use the 8-12 scale for alk so unsure where 300 falls, but like Cat said the only way to change quickly is a water change. The white might be some form of precipitate from the alk. Sound like your best bet is to mix a big batch of saltwater and go for a 40% or so water change to get it closer to normal.
 
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300 ppm = 17 dKH

Not sure how your livestock/CUC will react to that, do you have someone who could hold your stuff until you can do a few water changes?
 

TexanReef

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I spiked mine up to the 300's with a dumb alk timer that stuck on. All the critters were fine but it was hell on the SPS. I cannot guarantee your critters will not succumb but mine did fine.

Getting that off the glass should be possible with your scraper. I cleaned mine from the glass using a mag float. It was time consuming and sounded like I was rubbing against sand paper but it did come off with no ill effects to the glass.
 
M

MontroseReef

I found ph buffer wont solve ph problems for long term. It only causes more issues. Have you used a DIY co2 scrubber? It works well for me.
 
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