just started dripping lime water

[Scouter Steve]

I just started dripping lime water, 2tsp per gallon about 1 1/2 gal/day. PH is rising like I wanted but I have a question. I notice PH drop if I stop the drip and I was wondering where does the lime water go? I am lightly stocked high on Ca don't know Alk. I started dripping Lime cause PH would drop to 7.7 at times with a high of 7.9. I am now up to 8.1-8.3.

[billyr98]

you will have some kind of PH swing with your lighting... is this when the ph is swinging?

[bluespotjawfish]

You need to determine your alk, calcium, and magnesium levels. 7.8 if the alk is on the high end is fine. Alk needs to be in balance with both the calcium and magnesium. You can also set your drip up so that it drips when your pH is the lowest (usually at night).

[Woodstock]

Originally Posted by bluespotjawfish

You need to determine your alk, calcium, and magnesium levels. 7.8 if the alk is on the high end is fine. Alk needs to be in balance with both the calcium and magnesium. You can also set your drip up so that it drips when your pH is the lowest (usually at night).

Test those when dosing kalk for sure. You could have TOO much calcium or you may need to add magnesium and a buffer (sodium carbonate - BAKED baking soda) to increase your alk.

[Warnberg]

Make sure you are dripping the clear liquid and not any powder.

[saltyfishtanks]

Ok so Just what Negative effects does the powder have on the system?
Ive really been waiting to ask this question

I personally am not very careful when it comes to this

[Woodstock]

Originally Posted by saltyfishtanks

Ok so Just what Negative effects does the powder have on the system?
Ive really been waiting to ask this question

I personally am not very careful when it comes to this

Here are many great links that will answer all of yours questions ...and then some
What is That Precipitation in My Reef Aquarium?

[Warnberg]

Nice link Doni....

[Dragon Wrasse]

Originally Posted by Woodstock

Test those when dosing kalk for sure. You could have TOO much calcium or you may need to add magnesium and a buffer (sodium carbonate - BAKED baking soda) to increase your alk.

Hey Doni, I have this information from the "Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook" by Dr. Fobert J. Goldstein....Page 23, It is important to raise aquarium concentrations of calcium to that of seawater and alkalinity for three reasons; 1. Calcium, depleted by stony corals and coraline algae, must be replaced. 2. Alkalinity helps maintain a high pH. 3. Calcium saturation will precipitate phosphates, protectiing the aquarium against nuisance algae blooms. (Calcium corbonate is less soluble than calcium phosphate.) Note: Should you use baking soda (sodium carbonate) to adjust alkalinity? Absolutely not. Commercial preparations for raising alkalinity are balanced mixtures of sodium carbonate and sodium borate. In the right ratios, they can adjust alkaline reserve without suddenly rasing pH. Baking soda alone will rapidly raise the pH and stress the inhabitants.

Thought I point thie out, seems to be from a good source.