Need help, advice, kick in the.........

[untamed]

You didn't mention what you are currently doing now to keep your Ca/Alk levels up. If you are doing anything, that would suggest that is where the problem lies.

[Glennrf38]

I am doing nothing right now. Suggestions?

[Tangman]

Originally Posted by untamed

You didn't mention what you are currently doing now to keep your Ca/Alk levels up. If you are doing anything, that would suggest that is where the problem lies.

He didn't actually state what the Cal, Alk or Mag levels were either.

Glenn are you testing them ? and what brand of test kits are you using?
You must know what the Cal, Alk and Mag levels are before you start adding any supplements
If you don't have these test kits I recommend Salfert test kits

[Glennrf38]

Test kit is a Nutrifin master test kit. Not a great one but it should give me pretty close levels.

tests include:
CA
PH
Iron
KH/GH
PO4
NH3
NH4
NO2
NO3

What else am I missing?

[marie]

He didn't actually state what the Cal, Alk or Mag levels were either.

If you could give us these levels it would give us a better idea as to whether you need to add calcium and alk or if your problems lies elsewhere

[Glennrf38]

I am just doing a full test right now. Will add the specs as soon as I am done.


Thanks
Glenn

[Glennrf38]

Test results:

CA 480
KH 90
PO4 0
NO3 0-5

[marie]

I think you need better test kits but if the measurement for alk is the same as the hagen testkits then your alk is very low and the calcium is a wee bit high. Buffering will help to bring the up alk levels
Check out these links particularily anything pertaining to the relationship between alk calcium and magnesium
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=19425

[Tangman]

Test results:

CA 480 OK ( a bit high as Marie said)
KH 90 too low 90mg/L( hagen test kit)= to 1.8meg/L or 5.1 dKH
natural sea water is 8dKH ,most of us shoot for about 9 or 10 dKH
PO4 0 OK
NO3 0-5 OK