Rookie cal, dkh, mag testing

chadderboxx · Oct 31, 2012

Ok. Guys just got my Redsea test kit my levels are off any advise
Cal 450
Kh 14
Mag 1000

cdrewferd · Oct 31, 2012

Mag needs to go up above 1200, but not really higher than 1500. ALK should be between 8-10.

chadderboxx · Oct 31, 2012

cdrewferd said:
Mag needs to go up above 1200, but not really higher than 1500. ALK should be between 8-10.

Going to do a 20% change tomorrow what do y'all Suggest to raise the magnesium

Mufasa31 · Oct 31, 2012

I would recommend making sure the test kits are good and you are reading the results properly.

You can do this by testing freshly mixed salt water (assuming you are using RO/DI water).

Mufasa31 · Oct 31, 2012

I would also measure ph.

It could be too high.

zemuss · Oct 31, 2012

Calcium is pretty spot on and your Alk is really high. I assume the picture provides us with what you are dosing? If so stop dosing until you figure out if your reading the tests right, if your tests are even good and you get the Alk between 8 and 10. Mag I would do a few water changes and let the levels go up on its own.

I never dose mag and my magnesium is around 1300 to 1400, so really I only concentrate of Calc, Alk and Phosphates.

Hope this helps.

Downbeach · Oct 31, 2012

I know those Red Sea Kits take a little getting used to, especially the Mg. Here are some video's, in case you haven't seen them:

Red Sea's new Magnesium Pro Test-Kit - YouTube
Red Sea's new Alkalinity Pro Test-Kit - YouTube
Red Sea's new Calcium Pro Test-Kit - YouTube

You might want to double check your tests/results before you proceed. I would check your make up water too.
What is your salinity? What do you measure it with?

chadderboxx · Oct 31, 2012

I did the test to spec of those video. I key picked up the kal. Haven't dosed anything yet ph is 8.1 as of this am. I do monthly water changes as I have along of zoas and I'm just lazy. Yes water is ro.di water salt mix in kent. 1.024 sal.

beaslbob · Oct 31, 2012

I would read this:

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-chemistry-forum/39332-do-yourself-two-part-links.html

I use sechem or salifert for calcium and magnesium with api kh for alk.

Looks to me like you need to up magnesium to about 1350 using magnesium chloride and epsom salts in something like a 5to3 ratio. Actually just epsom salts would do it also but that is heavy on the sulfate.

then start the diy method in the link above.

my .02

chadderboxx · Oct 31, 2012

I did test the dkh twice just to make sure that's my main Focus right now.

Pkunk35 · Oct 31, 2012

zemuss said:
Calcium is pretty spot on and your Alk is really high. I assume the picture provides us with what you are dosing? If so stop dosing until you figure out if your reading the tests right, if your tests are even good and you get the Alk between 8 and 10. Mag I would do a few water changes and let the levels go up on its own.

I never dose mag and my magnesium is around 1300 to 1400, so really I only concentrate of Calc, Alk and Phosphates.

Hope this helps.

+1

if me i would stop dosing and bring levels to normal with multiple WC over time. Then figure out a dosing scheme due to coral demand.

What salt you using?

Chameleon · Nov 2, 2012

you cant correct the kH easily unless you correct the Mag...dose some mag or do water changes until your levels are in the mid 1200's...then calc and alk should fall into line with proper dosing...
if using a balanced additive such as kalkwasser as pictured you should not need to supplement calcium alone. when you get your mag right i think you will notice that

chadderboxx · Nov 2, 2012

I did a 5 g Wc today going to do another tomorrow and every 2 day and test in the middle of each change. Tested tonight dkh was at 13.4 mag was still at 1000

chadderboxx · Nov 2, 2012

Pkunk35 said:
+1

if me i would stop dosing and bring levels to normal with multiple WC over time. Then figure out a dosing scheme due to coral demand.

What salt you using?

Kent marine

chadderboxx · Nov 4, 2012

ok im now on 3rd 5 g water change tested levels tonight dkh is at 12.9 cal is high altho 550. i did not test for mag and i have not dosed in 2 weeks. thinking tomorrow i might to a 50% tomorrow. is it normal for cal to go up when dkh goes down i tested twice just to make sure.

chadderboxx · Nov 5, 2012

ok i did i 50% water change today
mag 1440
dkh 12.9
cal 550

???

montethemoster · Nov 5, 2012

How are you measuring the salinity of your freshly made salt water you use for water changes? Perhaps try testing your freshly made saltwater for Calcium, Alk, and Mag and make sure the values aren't extremely high.