High Alk problem?

[oldsaint]

In the process of switching from O to IO I didn't realize my Cal and Alk test kits were bad. Ive been adding baking soda and kent super dKH buffer to raise the Alk because I couldn't get it read above 3.0meg and I couldn't get my pH to stabilize above 7.9. Now after replacing both kits the actual readings are Alk-5.49meg, pH-8.0, Cal is 190. I'm currently adding Cal to the tank, but how should I go about reducing the Alk. This is in my 260.

 

[flip_3_6_0]

My understanding is that by adding the Cal and not the Alk they slowly balance, but im probably mistaken.

 

[cwcross]

What you need to do is bring your Ca up to 420 or so using CaCl2 or a single part Ca booster. Leave your Alk alone. No good way to get it out. Over time it will drop. During this time keep your Ca topped off to the 420 range. Once the Alk gets to 3.2 meq then you can resume balanced addition. How long it takes depends on your Kalk demand. Maybe a month, maybe less.

Sincerely...Collin

 

[oldsaint]

Thanks for the info. I did a search and was reading some old threads, pretty much came to that conclusion. Probably should have done that first. Thank you both for clearing it up.