Low Alkalinity, High Calcium

[drillbitfocker]

API
PH - 7.8-8.0
Ammonia - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 20-40 ppm
Phosphate - 0-0.25 ppm


SALIFERT
Magnesium - 1440
Alkalinity - (low resolution, 2ml water + 1ml reagent) pink on 0.83 = 2.4 kh
Multiply by 2 = 4.8 dKH
Calcium - (low resolution, 1ml water + 1ml reagent) blue on 0.45 = 275 cal
Multiply by 2 = 550



I am about to use Kalkwasser to increase alk but my Ca was so high. I don't know what to do. Help please.

 

[SaltySqueeble]

What do you use to test salinity? Could it be high? It’s not that bad but You can lower that a little with a water change. check the parameters in your fresh salt to compare. I would dose some alkalinity to your tank. Red Sea has a good product just for Alk. I currently only dose alkalinity and phosphates. Ca and Mag are covered with water changes

 

[SaltySqueeble]

Oh and by the way. Phos at 0-.25 is not a valid range. Try for something more like 0.02-.1ppm

 

[Dburr1014]

API
PH - 7.8-8.0
Ammonia - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 20-40 ppm
Phosphate - 0-0.25 ppm


SALIFERT
Magnesium - 1440
Alkalinity - (low resolution, 2ml water + 1ml reagent) pink on 0.83 = 2.4 kh
Multiply by 2 = 4.8 dKH
Calcium - (low resolution, 1ml water + 1ml reagent) blue on 0.45 = 275 cal
Multiply by 2 = 550



I am about to use Kalkwasser to increase alk but my Ca was so high. I don't know what to do. Help please.

Use baking soda instead. It will only increase alk.

Here is a fantastic article.

Chemistry And The Aquarium: Solving Calcium And Alkalinity Problems

I hope this article proves useful is understanding and dealing with the different types of calcium and alkalinity problems encountered by reef keepers. Once you get calcium and alkalinity under control, you are far along the road to having your tank chemistry optimal for its inhabitants.

reefs.com

 

[snorklr]

IF your test results are ok...for alkalinity only i've used Fritz RPM part 1...its sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I suspect alk test error. Try your calcium and alk kits on new salt water and dont use the low resolution method.

 

[Troylee]

To add to what Randy said don’t use kalk as it will increase your calcium even more. Get your numbers in line then use kalk to keep calcium and alk stable