Alkalinity versus pH

[aentrop]

I understand that Alkalinity is the buffering capacity for pH, but I don't understand how to change them independently...

If my Alkalinity is low, and pH is fine, how do I JUST raise the alk?

What about vice versa? If my tank pH is low, but Alk is normal, for do I raise JUST the pH?

What does Kent super buffer raise? pH or Alkalinity?

 

[rckrzy1]

@aentrop wrote:

To raise alk without raising PH use Baking Soda.

I don't think you will find low PH with normal ALK, but not sure. But you
could open your windows to reduce CO2 which will raise PH.

 

[Rick]

Ph and Alkalinity explained
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/chem.htm

 

[bimmerzs]

Hi,

There is no magic number to try to stay at with PH. If everybody's happy and all parameters are inline then normally, PH takes care of itself. With that said, I find that if I keep my Alk at 8 dkH then my ph run 8.0 to 8.2, I like keeping my alk at 11dkH with keeps my ph in 8.2-8.4 range, which I like better and think it's better for my tank for a few different reasons.

Cheers,

 

[Guest]

@bimmerzs wrote:

ditto i try to keep mine at high 10 to 11...what test kit are you using..if api then junk it as they are not that accurate go with salifert. ph fluctuates throughout the day and night so for me targeting my alk is more important unless ph is way off