High Alkalinity, Low Calcium and Normal Magnesium

[MysticSea]

As you know from the title I have been dealing with a alkalinity problem for a few days now. I have been doing 15% water changes and am now thinking of doing a 50% water change because it seems to not improve. Here are my results:

Alkalinity: 20.0 dKH (probably higher) (Hanna, Salifert and Red Sea)
Calcium: 220 ppm (Hanna, Salifert and API)
Magnesium: 1350 ppm (Salifert)

Now I use multiple test kit brands from Hanna to API so I have multiple ways to check results. Please let me know what else can be done or if there is anything else.

 

[fishguy242]

hi,are you using rodi water? have you tested new mix water?

 

[Snoopy 67]

There is a relationship between the 3, Magnesium is the catalyst.
Bring up the calcium to over 350 & let the alkalinity drop.
Your salt mix could be part of the problem. Check how it mixes @ the prescribed salinity.
If you empty the syringe on a Salifert Kit use a second & add up the results for the final figure.

 

[MysticSea]

hi,are you using rodi water? have you tested new mix water?

I use RO water when adding and my well water is low in pH.

 

[fishguy242]

good advice on other thread,may want to ask mods to shut this one down too confusing

 

[MysticSea]

good advice on other thread,may want to ask mods to shut this one down too confusing

Thank you and yes. Who could I talk to inorder to take this one down?

 

[fishguy242]

#MODS ,

 

[vetteguy53081]

Alk is dangerously high in which corals should have responded prroly or bleaching.
I would suggest to take a water sample to a trusted LFS and have them verify these readings for you and for comparison to your tests.
That is like off the charts X 2 !!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you know how the alk got that high?

Did you add any buffers or alk additives?

DO NOT USE the well water for anything unless you take it to 0 ppm TDS with an RO/DI as tap and well water can add lots of things, including alkalinity, and perhaps that is how you got there in the absence of adding anything.

Do you use artificial cement based rock? If not fully cured, it can boost alk and pH.