[michika]

I need some help solving my low dKH problem. I am aiming for 7 or 8dkH, but can't seem to maintain a reading over 5dKH.

My system is currently running with a kalk. reactor, and I understand that as a result it could be pushing down my levels. So far I have been dosing the maximum of Seachem's Carbonate product almost every day with limited improvement. By limited I mean that I see a move of maybe one point for one day, and then it is back to the normal low levels. I am toying with one of two ideas since manual dosing doesn't seem to be helping me.

1) a Ca reactor. I would have to find a 2.5lb CO2 bottle, but if not I would go with a 5lb.

2) Add in a dosing pump so I can drip in the appropriate additives.

This is a snap shot of what I've been dealing with as far as fluctuations go. Amonia, nitrite, and nitrate are all 0. All of the below measurements were taken between 11am-1pm. The float valve has since been removed from the system, and I am slowly bringing the SG back to 1.024-1.025. I should hopefully be back to where it should be on Wednesday (in two days). The Kalk. reactor maintains Ca at 320ppm, but I'm trying to get it to 380-400ppm. May 24th is the only day that dKH wasn't added to the system. On that day I dosed to boost the calcium levels.

Date Time Temp pH SG Ca dKH Mg
20-May-07 PM 82.1 8.1 1.025 5 960
21-May-07 AM 79.7 7.8 1.022 320 6 1080 Float valve failed
22-May-07 PM 82.9 8.0 1.024 320 4 990 Added on kalk. reactor
23-May-07 AM 80.2 8.0 1.024 380 6 990
24-May-07 AM 80.2 8.1 1.022 300 6 900 Float valve failed
25-May-07 PM 82.6 8.1 1.022 380 5 960
27-May-07 PM 80.2 8.0 1.022 320 4 900
28-May-07 PM 81.5 8.0 1.023 340 4 960

I'm not sure how to proceed as I've never had such low levels before. Everything in the tank looks to be doing well. I'm seeing lots of new colors coming out on my SPS, my clams are always open. Livestock thankfully wasn't harmed by the float valve failures, and all still retain big appetites.

Help?