Need some advice on parameters

[roadrashpaul]

I just tested and params are as follows:

NO3= ~5ppm
PO4= 0
Calc= 470ppm
Mag= 1300
Alk= 7.3

I feel my alk is somewhat low. I am dosing the recommended portions of C Balance A&B. A one day. B the next. It is keeping my calcium up where it needs to be but my alk is falling. Last week I mixed up a gallon of water with baking soda in it and dosed that over about 3 days. I got the alk up to around 9.5 and within 3 days it is back to 7.3. Not sure what is using is so fast. I have mostly LPS and softies and my only SPS being monti cap. Maybe coraline since my tank is still fairly new?

Any suggestions for getting Alk up and NO3 down some?

 

[pickupman66]

Alk and cal are out of balance.

 

[roadrashpaul]

Where should the cal be? I thought 450-500 was good?

 

[p woodard]

Ck your ph and see if it is high

 

[pickupman66]

I like an alk of around 8 and cal around 425

 

[thejoshdavis]

I like an alk of around 8 and cal around 425

Me too. Realized I was half dosing my 2 part so my perams where a little low.

 

[roadrashpaul]

I like an alk of around 8 and cal around 425

Ok so it sounds like I should lay off the calc portion of the 2 part for a few days and check it and only dose alk to get it up. Sound like a plan???

 

[roadrashpaul]

Ck your ph and see if it is high

Checked this morning and it is 8.2. So it is right where it needs to be.

 

[bknapp]

Ok so it sounds like I should lay off the calc portion of the 2 part for a few days and check it and only dose alk to get it up. Sound like a plan???

Just remember they go with each other, if you raise your alkalinity your calcium lowers and vice versa. If your magnesium isn't three times your calcium you'll have a very difficult time maintaining a high level of calcium and alkalinity.