Chemistry

[nuhabit]

Ok I usually use Reef buffer to raise my ph to 8.3. I ran out and went to my LFS and they didnt have my usual stuff. They gave me Alkalin 8.3-p kh buffer.I use the two part from BRS, isnt that the same as the kh buffer??????????????? My head hurts.

 

[Hawkeye]

i use kalkwasser to keep my ph to 8.5 consistently. I can't speak to two part. I'm sure a lot of people use it and can chime in. My understanding is that one part (of the two part) is indeed a buffer for alkalinity which should help maintain pH. When alk is there, it helps to minimize pH swings.

 

[downbeach]

Ok I usually use Reef buffer to raise my ph to 8.3. I ran out and went to my LFS and they didnt have my usual stuff. They gave me Alkalin 8.3-p kh buffer.I use the two part from BRS, isnt that the same as the kh buffer??????????????? My head hurts.

BRS makes two different formula's, one will raise the pH (using Soda Ash [Sodium Carbonate]) known as Recipe 1, and the other formula, known as Recipe 2, will lower pH (using Baking Soda [Sodium Bicarbonate]).
I dose Kalkwasser too, and since it's use will raise pH, I mix the Soda Ash from the Two Part kit with Baking Soda to make a pH neutral solution, (1 part soda ash to 8 parts baking soda).

 

[mnat]

Is it the brightwell Alk 8.3? If so it is good stuff and yes would be redundant using with 2 part.

 

[nuhabit]

Yes I use recipe 1 which raises the ph. I usually only have to add the Alk from BRS every 3 or 4 days, about 80 ml. Once in awhile the Mag. Calcium is even more rare. With all that do I need to add the ph buffer or is that being redundant? And the kh buffer from the LFS is the same as the Alk from BRS right?

 

[nuhabit]

And yes it is the brightwell

 

[downbeach]

And the kh buffer from the LFS is the same as the Alk from BRS right?

Yes, if you read the fine print on the label, you'll see that it's just a blend of "Carbonates" aka Soda Ash and "Bicaronates" aka Baking Soda.

 

[nuhabit]

Yes, if you read the fine print on the label, you'll see that it's just a blend of "Carbonates" aka Soda Ash and "Bicaronates" aka Baking Soda.

READ THE LABEL....OMG.....Now that IS great advice....I'm gonna do that more often

 

[nuhabit]

I'm starting to get little white dots on overflow housings. I'm thinking calcium deposits but calcium is 460. Not a great pic but they are just little hard white dots.

 

[mnat]

Could also be snails or worms, take a close look at them. Also see if they move.

 

[nuhabit]

Here are some pics of the dots. Dont look like anything is moving. They are hard and dont come off easily.

 

[redfishbluefish]

The pictures looks like the beginning of coralline algae growing on your glass. How old is the tank?

I would expect precipitating calc to end up cementing your sand together or, if dosed too high, to fall out of solution like snow. But to see it deposited on the glass, I'd be surprised. That's why I thinking it's coralline algae.

 

[Fish Brain]

They are Spirorbid worms. Harmless unless you don't want little white spots on your overflow, then just scrape them off.

 

[nuhabit]

The tank is about Two years now. Worms huh, that is ok with me since they are harmless. I dont see any sign of life in them is there suppose to be?

 

[redfishbluefish]

They are Spirorbid worms. Harmless unless you don't want little white spots on your overflow, then just scrape them off.

If they are spirorbid worms, which is a good guess, if you look real close, you should see a spiral or twist to the worm.

 

[nuhabit]

If they are spirorbid worms, which is a good guess, if you look real close, you should see a spiral or twist to the worm.

Yea I googled the worm and noticed the spiral myself but I dont see that in my tank. I will keep an eye on it ofcourse but just dont see that spiral yet. Any other possibilities?