How do i lower my cal/alk?

[takt]

Any suggestions??
Mag-1000
alk/kh 12
ph 8.2
ammonia-0
nitrate-5/10
nitrite 0

Thanks,Jon

 

[Pappy]

What are your calcium readings didnt see? Your mag needs to be raised! Generally wc's will lower alk.

 

[Reefing Madness]

You can use Muriatic Acid to lower your ALk. Only do a bit at a time, as it will affect your PH. Your ALK number is right on the mark, I wouldn't mess with it at 12.
MAG- 1250-1350
ALK- 8-12
Calcium- 420 460

 

[Jlobes]

buy more corals!!

 

[takt]

cal is think was at 520, and i dont dose w/ anything just ph and water changes. and i did actually buy a chalice frag today =)

 

[takt]

and it was my 1st mag test today..ever

 

[mike007]

I would't do anything let it come down on its own. I would try different test kit and maybe take a sample to lfs and let them test also. I doubt that your level is that high but if it is watch your alk level.

 

[Downbeach]

What kits are you using to test Ca, Mg and Alk? What is your SG, and what are you using to test it with?

 

[fragmatic]

To answer your question for future reference.

It is an inverse relationship, and to be done in small amounts.
You dose alk to lower calc and dose calc to raise it;
You dose calc to lower alk and dose alk to raise it.

You avoid dosing them at the same time in the same tank location because they bind together and in effect "cancel" each other.

 

[LSOCorals]

Magnesium works as a bonding agent between your calcium and Alk. Not always but generally with low mag readings it can increase your Alk. I would definitly increase your mag to 1300 before doing anything else. Then give it a couple days and test your alk again. without having your mag in proper ranges you will have trouble keeping your alk and calcium in proper range too. Mag readings should be between 1250 and 1350 like Pappy said. RAISE MAG BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!

 

[takt]

Gotcha, will research raising mag. i use a seachem for mag alk calc and also had a friend test using api oh and salinity is 0.124

 

[Mrfresh]

Here's a good question, why do u want to lower it?

I am shooting for 11dkh and 450-500 cal in my tank.
Now ur mag does need to come up. With high mag as well algae has a hard time growing...

 

[larangcon]

as a rule dose slowly and gradually and test often.

 

[takt]

I was under the impression that calcium was high, I work at a vet office so i had them order pharmacutical grade epsom salt today Ill try that to bring up the mag i suppose.

 

[RuRoo]

To answer your question for future reference.

It is an inverse relationship, and to be done in small amounts.
You dose alk to lower calc and dose calc to raise it;
You dose calc to lower alk and dose alk to raise it.

You avoid dosing them at the same time in the same tank location because they bind together and in effect "cancel" each other.

Agreed.

 

[mcarroll]

Unless you are chemically/stoichiometrically oriented, I would stick with commercially available products while you are just starting out. Brightwell is my usual recommendation for beginners as they clearly state product concentrations and have the best package instructions I've seen.

Once you are using enough product for cost to be an issue, you will be competent enough in both testing and dosing to use DIY chems.

Also, as others have mentioned, everything but Mg looks alright. OTOH, Mg is so low it seems suspicious - get it double checked by the LFS or with a different test kit. (Salifert is my fav.). If your Mg number is correct, then you can assume that both Ca and Alk are not what they appeared, they are lower. Once you correct Mg retest everything before making any other corrections.

-Matt

 

[mr_bigl]

id let it come down on its own, while watching the other readings.

 

[LSOCorals]

I would recommend against home remedies at this point. You can do much more harm than good without knowing whats happening in your tank right now. Without getting your magnesium at 1300-1400 and keeping it there alk, cal, will always come out of wack. In my experience many many many salts advertise false readings on their magnesium levels. In my opinion magnesium is the most important to ensure its in proper levels. Without you will be false dosing your system per say to maintain alk and cal. Remember magnesium is the bonding agent for alk and cal.