[topher_t02]

My tank is testing off the charts for carbonate hardness (my kit goes to 12 dKH or 214.8 ppm), mine is 14 or so. Can it be too high? Can it cause my pH to be low (7.6 or so), and resist increasing with buffer?

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by topher_t02

My tank is testing off the charts for carbonate hardness (my kit goes to 12 dKH or 214.8 ppm), mine is 14 or so. Can it be too high? Can it cause my pH to be low (7.6 or so), and resist increasing with buffer?

There is so much involved here. is there a chance you could stop in the chat room where we could talk.

Alk at 14 is not too high. It is in the upper range but not going to harm anything. At 14 it is more beneficial than bad!

[pogodzib]

As long as you calcium and magnesium levels are also at the upper end of the recommended range, you'll be fine. If they are not, you'll want to slowly get your levels balance again while letting the alk come down a little on its own. Too high of KH levels can lead to your alk & calcium precipitating out of solution.

Chemistry and the Aquarium

Low pH can be caused by several issues. The main causes are high carbon dioxide levels in the tank water, low alk, or adding some pH lowering additives. NEVER add chemicals to your tank for the sole purpose of raising your pH. Most of them help raise a tank's pH by raising the alk levels. If you alk levels are in line and your pH levels are low, one of the above listed items is probably the cause.

Chemistry and the Aquarium