From Canister to Sump, now low Alk and Ca. Help!

[Eder]

Just changed over my 75g tank from a canister filter with bioballs and ceramic to a sump with a refugium housing miracle mud, live sand and rock and some cheato. Now I can't seem to maintain my Ca and Alk levels.

Parameters:
75g DT with 20g Sump
Salinity - 1.023
Ph - 8.2
Alk - 4.0 (used to be 7-9)
Ca - 300 (used to always be ~400)
Temp - 78
Nitrates - <5ppm

Tank is ~ 1.5 yrs old.

Any help would be sincerely appreciated.

 

[jsker]

Welcome, I just add a sump a moth ago and I am finding the same. Remember just just increase the water volume and add a new part to the tank that is basicly cycling. Mine is starting to balence out after 45 days

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome, I just add a sump a moth ago and I am finding the same. Remember just just increase the water volume and add a new part to the tank that is basicly cycling. Mine is starting to balence out after 45 days

+1 on considering the added water volume of a sump, mine's @ 5 gals. It's easy to over look.

 

[peter fumo]

Just changed over my 75g tank from a canister filter with bioballs and ceramic to a sump with a refugium housing miracle mud, live sand and rock and some cheato. Now I can't seem to maintain my Ca and Alk levels.

Parameters:
75g DT with 20g Sump
Salinity - 1.023
Ph - 8.2
Alk - 4.0 (used to be 7-9)
Ca - 300 (used to always be ~400)
Temp - 78
Nitrates - <5ppm

Tank is ~ 1.5 yrs old.

Any help would be sincerely appreciated.

what is your mag. level ?

 

[Eder]

Thanks guys. Makes more sense. It has been frustrating me especially since I it new lights coming in and am dying to add color's through Acros.

Seems like a common issue...?

I'll check my mag level when I get home and post.

Also ordered some kalkwasser. Thoughts?

 

[Eder]

Mag is 1310

 

[Eder]

what is your mag. level ?

Re check - holy cow. Mag is 880....how can I get it up safely and efficiently?

 

[mila sheehan]

Do you use red sea salt when you do your water changes?
cause it helps