How to maintain a high PH of Reverse Osmosis water?

[jamesw]

Hi guys,


I am going to be starting up my saltwater tank soon , a 50 gallon . I have bought an RO unit which should be comming this week. I am just wondering how people raise, and maintain the high PH in their tanks?

I have read the "How to make a successful water change" thread, which states that you should use bicarbonate of soda to raise PH. But on other websites it states that this is not a good option as the PH will just drop down again? However, if using bicarbonate of soda is a good option, how much do I need to use per litre, or gallon?

Also, rather than making a new thread, How much live rock should I use? My lfs said to get around 35 kilos for my 50 gallon? Others say less, others say more. What is most ideal? Lastly, When adding live rock, is it better to add it all at once, or can I do it gradually? Which is better?

Thanks for any help.



James

[leebca]

pH is controlled by the buffering ability of the water. The buffering ability of the water is controlled by: Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium content. You don't just want to keep these three in range but you want to balance them. This post tells you the proper balance they need to be in to control pH:
What is Water Quality

With the proper balance, there should only small fluctuations due to lighting/night conditions. You can make adjustments with raw chemicals, dissolved in RO/DI water or by ready made products which adjust just one of these at a time (to give you the most control) when you bring these three into balance. Don't bother buying any pH adjusting solutions -- the secret is to balance these three.

If you're starting a new setup read through this and get the info you are asking for:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

If you can't afford to start the aquarium with all that it needs then save up your money so you can or you might want to consider another hobby. This is one setup you don't want to put together a piece at a time.