Some parameters keep rising without dosing anything

[cylon032]

Hey everyone need some advice just did a water change because my alkalinity, calcium and phosphate keeps going up and the only thing that dropped was the alkalinity I did a 20 gallon change on a 125 gallon with 20g sump not sure actual total water volume because of displacement from rocks and sand. Should I do a larger water change? Phosphate kept rising so I got a media reactor with some pellets but its still rising. Ha ve a bunch of lps and some sps frags shouldn't the calcium be dropping?

 

[reef lover]

What does the new salt water mix up at?

 

[Reefpuck]

What does the new salt water mix up at?

This...if all you're doing is water changes... could be from the new water your whipping up.

 

[Auquanut]

Are you replacing evaporated water with RO/DI water? A 125 gallon tank will evaporate a lot in a short time (especially in the colder, dryer months). Whenever you do a water change you will see a much more noticeable change in alkalinity than calcium if the parameters of the new water are not matched to your current tank water. Nothing to worry about as long as your parameters are not too high. You should definitely test the new SW before the next water change. Do you currently dose any major or minor elements?

 

[Auquanut]

It also looks like your SG is rising, which would suggest that compensation for evaporation may play a part in the issue. Just something to consider.

 

[Saltyreef]

What are you using to measure salinity?

 

[cylon032]

What does the new salt water mix up at?

Haven't tested the mix going to do that next batch I make

 

[cylon032]

Are you replacing evaporated water with RO/DI water? A 125 gallon tank will evaporate a lot in a short time (especially in the colder, dryer months). Whenever you do a water change you will see a much more noticeable change in alkalinity than calcium if the parameters of the new water are not matched to your current tank water. Nothing to worry about as long as your parameters are not too high. You should definitely test the new SW before the next water change. Do you currently dose any major or minor elements?

Yes I have a ato 15 gallon tank under the stand with rodi water. No I don't dose anything

 

[cylon032]

It also looks like your SG is rising, which would suggest that compensation for evaporation may play a part in the issue. Just something to consider.

I was putting salt water in the ato wanted to raise it to 1.026 slowly and maintain it there.

 

[cylon032]

What are you using to measure salinity?

I'm using a refractometer

 

[Saltyreef]

I'm using a refractometer

When was the last time you calibrated it? Are you sure its accurate? My levels would rise above my test kits max limits after water changes because my salinity meter read 1.026 but was 1.031 in reality. After i bought a digital refracto and calibrate it as often as necissary i dont have that issue anymore. And adding salt water to the ATO would absolutely increase macros.
Did you watch levels increase after you got to your desired salinity and replaced top off water with RODI?

 

[cylon032]

When was the last time you calibrated it? Are you sure its accurate? My levels would rise above my test kits max limits after water changes because my salinity meter read 1.026 but was 1.031 in reality. After i bought a digital refracto and calibrate it as often as necissary i dont have that issue anymore. And adding salt water to the ATO would absolutely increase macros.
Did you watch levels increase after you got to your desired salinity and replaced top off water with RODI?

I would add 5 gallons saltwater next time rodi then saltwater then rodi and so forth. Wasn't trying to change it to fast. I never calibrated the refractometer, will definitely do that. Sorry for the dumb question still learning over here but what is macros? Yes the levels did increase after

 

[lapin]

What salt mix are you using?

 

[Quietman]

I was putting salt water in the ato wanted to raise it to 1.026 slowly and maintain it there.

How long did you do this?

 

[Jason2.5]

Hey everyone need some advice just did a water change because my alkalinity, calcium and phosphate keeps going up and the only thing that dropped was the alkalinity I did a 20 gallon change on a 125 gallon with 20g sump not sure actual total water volume because of displacement from rocks and sand. Should I do a larger water change? Phosphate kept rising so I got a media reactor with some pellets but its still rising. Ha ve a bunch of lps and some sps frags shouldn't the calcium be dropping?

Hy man I’m no expert but it seems that your Alk and Cal levels and a bit high but the are still in balance with each other and if you just wait it will correct itself as coral use up calcium and through precipitation your calcium will come down.

This link might be helpful https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

 

[cylon032]

How long did you do this?

From around 1.022 to 1.025 about 5 to 6 months

 

[cylon032]

What salt mix are you using?

Using instant ocean

 

[Jason2.5]

Hey everyone need some advice just did a water change because my alkalinity, calcium and phosphate keeps going up and the only thing that dropped was the alkalinity I did a 20 gallon change on a 125 gallon with 20g sump not sure actual total water volume because of displacement from rocks and sand. Should I do a larger water change? Phosphate kept rising so I got a media reactor with some pellets but its still rising. Ha ve a bunch of lps and some sps frags shouldn't the calcium be dropping?

And with regards to your phosphate is your protein skimmer running optimally you might have to much protein in the water maybe check your food input

 

[cylon032]

And with regards to your phosphate is your protein skimmer running optimally you might have to much protein in the water maybe check your food input

I do think I feed alot but the fish eat everything within 5 mins and after I turn the skimmer back on and it takes out about a quarter of a gallon of water out then it settles down

 

[Jason2.5]

I do think I feed alot but the fish eat everything within 5 mins and after I turn the skimmer back on and it takes out about a quarter of a gallon of water out then it settles down

I will do some more in depth digging on phosphate in the meantime and let you know if I find anything of interest