Levels way off again, help update

[EmilyB]

The best way to get things back into equilibrium is with a large water change Then start again sir !

[BCOrchidGuy]

Not letting your water sit long enough can play some games with your readings especially in cold weather. CO2 dissolved in the water can really mess things up. Aerate the water for 24 hrs and there shouldn't be any dissolved gasses or chlorine (doesn't work if your water has chloramines though). Keep us posted.

Doug

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by danny zubot

Water change Sunday, approx 25%, salinty 1.023-1.024, temp 82.
Mondays diagnostics: Calcium=220 ppm, Alk=2.5 meq/L, Ph=8.4
Added 40ml calcium,
Added 7 tbs CaCO2: 1 tbs CaCO to add Alk and
bring PH down.
Tuesday diagnostics: Calcium=160 ppm, Alk=7.0 Meq/L, Ph-8.6
Added the same dosage above.

now the big question, have you tested your Mg levels? if this is low you will never get your Ca up, and from your readings I will guess yours is about 700 to 800 PPM instead of the 1300ppm it should be. see if a friend or a store that uses a good Mg test kit can test it for you.

Steve

[danny zubot]

I do dose magnesium but only in small amounts. I'll take a sample to BA's tonight to check it out.

[danny zubot]

Just an update, after small water changes to the tune of about 40% over the past week the levels in my tank are starting to return to normal, accept ph. Calcium is rising from 160ppm to about 300ppm as of last night, and Alk is dropping from about 10 Meq/L to around 6.5 to 7 again.
I can't seem to get my Ph back in check, as of last night it sits at around 8.8 even after all the water changes. What can I do to drop this down without adding CaCO2, which also seems to boost my Alk levels? Some of the corals are picking up but I did loose my long time BTA, poor clownfish, thankfully he has the RBTA to fall back on.

[Beverly]

Danny,

You may have seen this article before, but here it is again:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

And for good measure, an article on magnesium:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

And for EXTRA good measure, the Reef Chemistry Calculator:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

AND for EXTRA, EXTRA good measure, Aquarium System Volume Calculator:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/volcalc.html

You may be in for more water changes to drop your alk some more.

[danny zubot]

Thats a lot of reading, but from what I gather, Mg is not my problem. Definatley Alk vs. Ca.

[Beverly]

Danny,

Certainly a lot of reading. I've read those articles, and others, over and over and over. Still seems I'm learning more each time I read them

Do you know what your Mg is? It does figure into the total reef chemistry equation. But for now, you do have to deal with the elevated alk/pH in your system.

[danny zubot]

I don't know what my Mg is at, I don't have a test kit.

I've decided that my water change regiment needs to change. Even though my NH4, NO2 and NO3 are perfect, its still doesn't mean my water is perfect. I guess water changes are the easiest way to keep all levels in good standing.