WMAS Discussion Forum : Alkalinity vs. pH http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 23:05:25 +0000 Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:08:53 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.03 360 www.utahreefs.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11626 <![CDATA[WMAS Discussion Forum]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/1by1.gif http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : Really the only alkalinity that...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108115&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108115 Author: jfinch
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 15 2006 at 12:08pm

Really the only alkalinity that we are concerned about in our tanks is carbonate alkalinity.  But others compounds also add to the alkalinity of our tanks such as borates.  Borate is a much better buffer then carbonate... so if all you were worried about was a stable pH you could dump a bunch of borate into your tank, but don't do it 'cause it's not really a good idea .  ]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:08:53 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108115&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108115 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : Which are? ]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108062&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108062 Author: chris.rogers
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 11:38pm

Which are? ]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 23:38:18 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108062&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108062 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : amorgenegg, yes... but with some...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108003&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108003 Author: jfinch
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 4:24pm

amorgenegg, yes... but with some caveats.

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:24:09 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=108003&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#108003 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : Doesn&#039;t alkalinity buffer...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107993&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107993 Author: amorgenegg
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 2:28pm

Doesn't alkalinity buffer the PH so that it doesn't change as easily aswith lower alkalinity?  If it is buffering it and your PH doesn'tchange as much, then it would not be as much of a stress to the animalsbecause the PH would be more stable.   Is that right?]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:28:19 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107993&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107993 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : Absolutely, pH and alkalinty are...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107992&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107992 Author: jfinch
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 2:22pm

Absolutely, pH and alkalinty are two different animals.

pH = the amount of H+ ions floating around in the water

Alkalinity = the amount of CO3++ and HCO3+ floating around in the water

Monitoring and maintaining alkalinity is more of a concern then pH.  My alkalinity can drop from 3.5 to 1.5 meq/l and only show a drop of about 0.1 pH units.  Acros are severely stressed at an alkalinity of 1.5 meq/l.

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:22:00 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107992&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107992 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : I havn&#039;t tested ph in about...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107991&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107991 Author: KeoDog
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 2:03pm

I havn't tested ph in about 2 yrs.  I do test alkalinity about every 2 months.  I probably would test ph if problems pointed that way.]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:03:19 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107991&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107991 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : Yes, you need to test both. Most...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107986&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107986 Author: Adam Blundell
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 1:23pm

Yes, you need to test both.  Most would agree testing alkalinity is more important.  Unless you are running something unusual (ozone, CO2, etc) you won't have many changes in pH and really don't need to test it but every once in a while.  Alkalinity is something you need to monitor, especially in reef aquariums.

I agree with Jon, anything said while in bed is either shrugged off or easily accepted.

Adam

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:23:01 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107986&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107986 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : So...without a doubt you should...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107984&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107984 Author: Lowry
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 1:10pm

So...without a doubt you should be testing both pH AND alkalinity?  I sent him the info Jon wrote but then he said he didn't see why we had to test for both.  But you are saying it's possible to have one at a good level and one at a bad level at the same time? So testing both is necessary. Just want to finish clearing this up with the hubby.  Thank you for all of your help.

Sarah Lowry

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:10:46 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107984&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107984 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : FYI - I was ready to duke it out...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107974&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107974 Author: smatney
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 12:39pm

FYI - I was ready to duke it out about this as well.  With my nursing background, I was sure that alkalinity was a pH measurement.  Jon set me straight as well.

Thanks Jon for your expertise.  You are loved.

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 12:39:40 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107974&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107974 <![CDATA[Alkalinity vs. pH : There. Now it&#039;s clickable...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107947&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107947 Author: Mike Savage
Subject: 11626
Posted: April 14 2006 at 9:48am

There. Now it's clickable

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/chem.htm

 

]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2006 09:48:05 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11626&PID=107947&title=alkalinity-vs-ph#107947