Help Balancing Paramiters

alf1096 · Jan 20, 2019

I had an algae problem. I think I finally have it somewhat under control. I had a really dirty sand bed and took out some rock to go with more open space. The tank as been neglected. I dose kalk via ato. I just did some test and am sitting at ph 8.4 ca 400, alk 13.3 and mag 1300.

I have done some large wc with io.

Can someone help with why my ca and alk are out of line. Should I quit using kalk until it comes down.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 20, 2019

Those values , if accurate, likely reflect the starting salt mix more than effects of the kalkwasser. I’d stop dosing until the alk drops below where you want it, then resume dosing slowly.

In the meantime, if you need to boost calcium, use calcium chloride (many brands are fine).

alf1096 · Jan 20, 2019

That’s kind of what I was thinking. I will test the salt going in next time I make some and half my kalk mix. Any idea the alk on instant ocean at 35 sg. I don’t have anything in the tank now except a Duncan and a leather.