High calcium and alkalinity

[Pas]

Hi to everyone
Am new to this forum
I have a 75 gallon tank and 15 sump that is up and running for two years with only fish and recently been having a tentation to put corals,
I just finished doing a water change, I after finish did a test with API reef master test kit
And
Ph 8.3
Calcium 26 drops = 520 ppm
Kh 11 drops = 196.9 ppm

And just doing every week a 5 gallon water change with instant ocean
Am I doing something wrong?

Am looking for some guidance

Thank you

 

[ludnix]

Did you try testing again? I try to run two tests when I have the patience.

 

[Pas]

No I will try another one tomorrow morning.

 

[kschweer]

Welcome!! I would try to test again and possibly have your lfs or someone else double check for you.

 

[reefwiser]

What salt are you using? Since you just have fish the cal and alk really have nothing removing them from the water. Stoney corals or LPS corals remove Cal and alk from the water to create their skeletons. Best to keep the Alk reading down to natural sea water 143 ppm or 8 dkh. Higher alk requires a higher nitrate readings of 25 and up other wise with SPS you will get tip burn on the ends of the coral

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R. As you can see, plenty of help when needed. I too would test again or as suggested, have a LFS run some tests for you to verify.

 

[Tautog]

+1 for Reefwiser, I also use Instant Ocean, Reef Crystals, but at this time don't dose anything. Your next step is to buy Red Sea test kits, more reliable, Hanna checker better, and get the Hanna Alkalinity tester for dKH. I only use API for Nitrates. With fish only, just do WC's, and slowly add some easy corals, Zoas, leathers, mushrooms. I'm at my 2 year anniversary, and with over 50 corals in a 180 system, I'm only starting to dose 2- part. Bulk Reef Supply is a great place to purchase with great tech help.
Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, lots of help here. A Protein Skimmer is another must as you proceed, Reef Octopus, go bigger than you need, 'cause, well, bigger is better, and now that you have the bug, your addiction must be fed. Your next purchase.............a bigger tank!
Good Luck, and again a big Welcome to R2R!