Major Newbie Mistake - please help!

[peskoe97]

I have a 75 gallon mixed reef. It has been set up for about 3-4 months now. Normally I add Kalkwasser to my ATO after letting it settle out in a bucket for a few days. My mind must have been elsewhere tonight because I added Kalk straight to my ATO and stirred it up, not thinking about it. I came downstairs about an hour later to a completely milky tank. What should I do? A large water change? Will it take long to settle? Is my livestock going to be OK?

Thanks for all help you can provide!

 

[aznreef99]

i would first test the parameters and then do a major wc if needed and keep testing

 

[Billldg]

I agree with testing parameters, but I wouldn't wait, I would do at least a 25 percent water change now if for nothing just the piece of mind. I also use Kalk and I unplug my ATO until the water settles, but every once and a while my ATO decides to add to much and makes my heart skip a beat, so I do a 25 percent water change.

 

[aznreef99]

i meant to test and see where parameters are at and keep doing wc and test u till parameters are back to normal. i had this issue when i first started the hobby too

 

[Pete1968]

i would first test the parameters and then do a major wc if needed and keep testing

Agreed test the parmeters, especially the alk and calcium! You might of just fried your corals! Hopefully you’ll be ok

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Just test the PH. Alk if you have it That’ll tell you the danger. The rest of the solids will settle pretty harmlessly.

How much went in the tank? Not much I should suspect if it’s just the normal top off.

 

[aznreef99]

what is your current parameters as far as alk, cal, mg and ph?

 

[Softhammer]

I have fried a dozen fish doing the same. The pH is the major threat.

 

[Billldg]

I agree with all, first and foremost check your ph, Kalk will spike your ph.

 

[MnFish1]

I am under the impression that the stuff your seeing is precipitated and won’t cause a problem. Did you overdose your auto or something? If not it should have no effect