Liquid Reactor question

molybdenumman · #1 04-24-2005, 05:11 AM

I got some liquid reactor about a week ago in hopes of jacking up my Ca levels.

Apr 14 Ca 390 ppm alk 9.8 dKh (3.52 mEq/L)
Apr 17 Ca 370 ppm alk 9.6 dKh (3.42 mEq/L)
Apr 20 Ca 380 ppm alk 9.0 dKh (3.2 mEq/L)
Apr 23 Ca 370 ppm alk 7.9 dKh (2.85 mEq/L)

Now I may be a dummy, but I thought that adding the liquid would increase both my Ca and alk, not decrease both. I am adding 4 capfulls nightly to my 90 gallon as it recommends.

Can someone explain to me what is happening?

DanTheMan

Jack · #2 04-24-2005, 05:32 AM

Your demand is just higher than the "reccomended dose" so just add more product. Take it as a coral-growing compliment.

Also, make sure that you stir up the sediment in the bottom of the bottle... sometimes this requires a stick.

That's about it!

molybdenumman · #3 04-24-2005, 06:03 AM

Should the alk be dropping that rapidly?

Jack · #4 04-24-2005, 08:29 AM

With coral growth, yes.

StirCrazy · #5 04-24-2005, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molybdenumman

Should the alk be dropping that rapidly?

befor I make a guess on weather this is a normal drop or not, how big of tank do you have and what do you have in it for coral, rock, and lighting.

Steve

molybdenumman · #6 04-24-2005, 08:50 PM

Currently, 90 g with 20 g sump

montipora capricormis, montipora digitata, horn coral, crocea clam, umbrella leather, frogspawn, bubble coral, hammer coral, colt, elegance, turbinia, moon, tongue, 2 rose anemones, green star polyps, zoos, mushrooms.

yellow tang, regal tang, perc, tomato, coral beauty

Hope this helps

DTM

StirCrazy · #7 04-25-2005, 01:45 AM

sounds a little high of a consumption but then again I don't know how big all thoes corals are, but it suprises me you are droping so fast.

Steve

danny zubot · #8 04-26-2005, 06:13 PM

How are your magnesium levels? I have found that if they aren't up to snuff they might actually mask the other levels, giving an incorrect reading. What kind of test kit do you use?
BTW, I think your Calcium levels are right on par, only the Alk seems a bit low.

Jaws · #9 05-03-2005, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molybdenumman

I got some liquid reactor about a week ago in hopes of jacking up my Ca levels.

Apr 14 Ca 390 ppm alk 9.8 dKh (3.52 mEq/L)
Apr 17 Ca 370 ppm alk 9.6 dKh (3.42 mEq/L)
Apr 20 Ca 380 ppm alk 9.0 dKh (3.2 mEq/L)
Apr 23 Ca 370 ppm alk 7.9 dKh (2.85 mEq/L)

Now I may be a dummy, but I thought that adding the liquid would increase both my Ca and alk, not decrease both. I am adding 4 capfulls nightly to my 90 gallon as it recommends.

Can someone explain to me what is happening?

DanTheMan

I'm going through the exact same thing right now. I can't get it above 400 no matter how much I add.

molybdenumman · #10 05-05-2005, 02:53 PM

I've been addingt he recommended dosage daily for 2-3 weeks now. Alk OK at 9.9 dKh but Ca will not go above 370 ppm.

I have been adding Mg periodically but haven't checked it recently.

Should I be trying other additives?