Low alkalinity low calcium low ph low nutrients help

vpustovoytov · Nov 1, 2014

I have a geo 618 for my 100 gallon I think it's 2 times oversized and I even went down to ph 6.2 to increase effluent alk and calcium but it didn't work and my ph tank was low only because my alkalinity was low that's why I stopped CR and giving a trial to 2 part brs but I would like to go back to CR
Another thing my ph drops when my lights are on I don't know why it was opposite before

Reefnjunkie · Nov 1, 2014

A 618 should rock that tank- whats the rate of effluent?

I gotta assume all feed return lines are free of build up so I'd lean towards a slow rate of effluent was the culprit

As far as PH being lower while lights are on NO IDEA

One issue per thread please (LOL-just kidding)

vpustovoytov · Nov 1, 2014

Yes it should rock it but it wasn't that's why I'm trying to ask u guys a question why my 100 gallon requires so much additives ? I wish I could use just CR

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 1, 2014

vpustovoytov said:
Yes it should rock it but it wasn't that's why I'm trying to ask u guys a question why my 100 gallon requires so much additives ? I wish I could use just CR

Do you recall the water flow rate through it?

vpustovoytov · Nov 2, 2014

I tried all different ones no success

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 2, 2014

If you have a high enough flow rate with the alkalinity that you mentioned earlier, then the delivery of calcium and alkalinity to the tank could be a lot higher than with the other additives.

So when you increase the water flow rate, you either need to boost the CO2 addition rate (or allow a CO2 pH controller to do so for you).

vpustovoytov · Nov 2, 2014

Do u think it's better go back to CR

Reefnjunkie · Nov 2, 2014

vpustovoytov said:
Do u think it's better go back to CR

If you don't mind my opinion, yes I think its better that CR is more than capable of handling that tank even stuffed full of clams and SPS. I have literally 3-40"x20" frag tanks 100% SPS and my display, 90% SPS and the GEO 624 did fine up until about 5 months ago.

Increase the rate of effluent, increase the CO2 being injected and adjust accordingly, as I mentioned my rate of effluent is a solid stream~ 25-30mls per second (thats pretty fast IMO) and presently with a dual chamber the effluent is 7.1 which keep me dialed in at 8.24.
Having a nice dual stage regulator and a nice needle valve is a bonus as well, having both make adjustments much. Neither are required to accomplish your goal just saying looking forward if you don't have them its nice

I also use an acid titration method for measuring KH so its accuracy is pretty spot on and if you've got a PH probe that can be used easily I'd be happy to post how if interested.

Hope this helps

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 2, 2014

I think either the two part of the CaCO3/CO2 reactor are fine ways to go with any amount of demand.

vpustovoytov · Nov 2, 2014

Thanks randy
Everything u saying is correct but how I should back to ionic balance just water changes every 2 weeks or something else?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 2, 2014

vpustovoytov said:
Thanks randy
Everything u saying is correct but how I should back to ionic balance just water changes every 2 weeks or something else?

You mean if using a two part?

Depending on what you use, there may not be any significant imbalance, and if there is, water changes will help.

vpustovoytov · Dec 20, 2014

Hi randy
Happy holidays !
I have a question for u
How u quarantine saltwater fish I had no success lately they stop eating and die
Need help
Thanks

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 20, 2014

Which fish?

vpustovoytov · Dec 20, 2014

Flame angel or yellow tang

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 20, 2014

Are you providing a way for ammonia to be removed from the QT tank?

Do you know that the fish were healthy when added?

What did you try to feed them?

vpustovoytov · Apr 28, 2015

Still needs help with alkalinity and calcium I can't keep them in balance I changed water every week 10 % with Red Sea pro salt and can not reach a state of balance calcium and alkalinity and I'm using a kalkwasser as a top off drip any idea why allalinity keeps on low site ?

vpustovoytov · Apr 28, 2015

I switched CR for 2 part additives BRS and adding 45 ml alk and 10 ml calcium
Alk 138 ppm and calcium 420
I like all 150 ppm but if I boost alk to 150 calcium goes down to 380 why it's so difficult to maintain

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 28, 2015

vpustovoytov said:
I switched CR for 2 part additives BRS and adding 45 ml alk and 10 ml calcium
Alk 138 ppm and calcium 420
I like all 150 ppm but if I boost alk to 150 calcium goes down to 380 why it's so difficult to maintain

You need to regularly add both in the proper proportions (meaning equal amounts, or close to it).