CA and KH and PH issues - please help

[Oceanwave45]

Question - 6 month old tank 40 gallon tank is test low in the following areas -
CA - 340 to 380
Ph - 7.2 to 6.0
Kh - 140.00 to 179.8

Yes I am using RODI water

I just got through the diatom bloom so that's over - thank god!

Here is a picture.

I was told to leave everything alone and not dose. But it's testing too low right?

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

What test kits are you using? It's unlikely that your pH is actually 6 to 7.2. At that pH, the water would be so acidic that your rock could be dissolving. The calcium and carbonate alkalinity levels don't look too out of line, but that depends on if the results are accurate.

Try retesting with Salifert, Red Sea or Hanna Checker test kits.

Additionally, ignore blanket statements that say "yes you must dose" or "no you shouldn't dose." The goal with reef tanks is stability. Aim to maintain stability in which your animals can thrive. If you test regularly and find that you can't maintain acceptable stability, then yes, you need to dose. If you test regularly and find that you can maintain acceptable stability, then no, you don't need to dose.

 

[Oceanwave45]

I use API I think and yes I test every three days

Do you think the tank will stabilize on its own? Eventually?

Is dosing common?

 

[Twisted_Blenny]

I use API I think and yes I test every three days

Do you think the tank will stabilize on its own? Eventually?

Is dosing common?

i wouldnt trust those API kits. look into Salifert or Red Sea. or if money isnt an issue Hanna

 

[Oceanwave45]

Thank you

 

[JaaxReef]

Agreed on the API test kits.

Based on what I've tried for test kits, I would recommend Hanna for Phosphate, Salifert for Magnesium, and Red Sea for the rest.

 

[Oceanwave45]

Agreed on the API test kits.

Based on what I've tried for test kits, I would recommend Hanna for Phosphate, Salifert for Magnesium, and Red Sea for the rest.

They are so much more expensive tho which I find odd

 

[JaaxReef]

Red Sea has Reagent refills after the initial purchase, which end up being the cheapest of the higher end kits in the long haul.