How to maintain lower ALK with 2 Part Dosing (ESV B-Ionic) and high ALK Reef Crystals

[Scritch]

Honestly, I mainly do the 25% because mixing a 5gal bucket is very manageable for me (used to have a 45gal and would do 5gals weekly). I also did this because I thought it would be better for my system to remove nitrates/phosphates and also to replenish more depleted elements.

Seems like it may be overkill now that I think about it. Do you think it could be negatively affecting things?

Going to look into smaller 2gal containers for wc's

How new is your tank? You want to have some nitrates and phosphates. As far as negatively affecting, you mentioned a swing in alk. You don’t want that.

 

[Scritch]

This is what I have for water changes. It’s used in restaurants. I’m sure you could get one on amazon.

and this is my little ro/salt mix station. I have a small tank like you.

 

[vokrey09]

I use the same salt and went through this same issue.

I use Muriatic Acid to lower the ALK in my mixing barrels. It also lowers PH at the same time, so I add a bubbler and mix for 24hrs to bring PH back up.

Here’s a thread I use for dosing calculations...

How to Lower Alkalinity with Muriatic Acid

Can someone please point me to the article or calculator on how to accomplish this? Thank You

www.reef2reef.com

This is great, thank you

 

[Caseyoidae]

I use muriatic acid from Home Depot also. I mix up 10 gallons to 35ppt, add 5ml acid and let it mix with a pump a couple days. Brings instant ocean purple pail down to 7.6 dkh.

 

[vokrey09]

How new is your tank? You want to have some nitrates and phosphates. As far as negatively affecting, you mentioned a swing in alk. You don’t want that.

My tank is only about 5 months old. Before my water changes I notice about 10ppm nitrates, and rarely test for phostphates although I just got through a nasty dino/gha issue

Those containers look to be exactly what I need, going to check amazon. Thanks for sharing

 

[vokrey09]

I use the same salt and went through this same issue.

I use Muriatic Acid to lower the ALK in my mixing barrels. It also lowers PH at the same time, so I add a bubbler and mix for 24hrs to bring PH back up.

Here’s a thread I use for dosing calculations...

How to Lower Alkalinity with Muriatic Acid

Can someone please point me to the article or calculator on how to accomplish this? Thank You

www.reef2reef.com

Would using a powerhead overnight work similarly, or do I need to use an airstone?