Hi, I'm just cycling my tank and when I measured the alkalinity two times at a week's gap it came to somewhere around 5.5 meQ/L, pH is a stable 8.2, Salinity is 34ppt. I use Continuum Halcyon Marine Reef Salt. I intend to use it as FOWLR for the time being. Could someone please help in the following:
1. I know alkalinity is high but what range do you suggest for a FOWLR. Does it change with corals?
2. How to lower it safely for the fishes? I've heard about Muriatic acid, Sodium bisulphate, vinegar. Do these products not affect fishes at all? Or is it like anything acidic be used?
3. Will Sodium bisulphate add sulphur that is harmul to fishes? I'd prefer it due to being safe to use for myself, no fumes, burn risk etc. and possibly easier to obtain. I also read somewhere that it reduces pH only and alkalinity is mostly left untouched unlike muriatic acid, which reduces both. Is it possible?
4. If the pH is lowered by any of these will it return back to 8.2 later, while the alkalinity is reduced to within the range. How much time will it take to rebound to normal and will I have to intervene in the process?
5. How much to add and in what manner?
6. Will adding any of these interfere with the cycle, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates or any other parameter that I'll have to take care of? Will the good bacteria survive?
7. How to raise alkalinity in case of an acid overdose? Baking soda?
8. Anything else important I'm missing.
Thanks.
1. I know alkalinity is high but what range do you suggest for a FOWLR. Does it change with corals?
2. How to lower it safely for the fishes? I've heard about Muriatic acid, Sodium bisulphate, vinegar. Do these products not affect fishes at all? Or is it like anything acidic be used?
3. Will Sodium bisulphate add sulphur that is harmul to fishes? I'd prefer it due to being safe to use for myself, no fumes, burn risk etc. and possibly easier to obtain. I also read somewhere that it reduces pH only and alkalinity is mostly left untouched unlike muriatic acid, which reduces both. Is it possible?
4. If the pH is lowered by any of these will it return back to 8.2 later, while the alkalinity is reduced to within the range. How much time will it take to rebound to normal and will I have to intervene in the process?
5. How much to add and in what manner?
6. Will adding any of these interfere with the cycle, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates or any other parameter that I'll have to take care of? Will the good bacteria survive?
7. How to raise alkalinity in case of an acid overdose? Baking soda?
8. Anything else important I'm missing.
Thanks.