Alk confusion Help

[mark]

A Ca reactor can also be called a alk reactor.

Found with my reactor if driving it hard (was trying to bring up the Ca with the reactor alone) really easy to spike the alk.

Time will bring the alk value down but water changes could also speed it up but I wouldn't worry, just turn down your reactor.

[24storm]

Would the Alk really be that High?
When my Calcium was 375 the alk was still 15

Keith

[mark]

Could be.

I've had Ca 400 and alk 15 (testing with Salifert) a couple of times.

Looking through my notes, on a 200g lightly stocked reef, after turning off the CO2, the alk would drop from 15 to 11/12 after 3-4 days without a water change.

[24storm]

Is anyone here using the Elos KH test kit? Am i doing something wrong?
Should i get a different brand test kit to compare readings?

Keith

[mark]

Not sure why you doubting your test kits (15 KH is easy to do with a reactor) but there's a ELOS forum on RC, might get help there.

[24storm]

I just want to make sure Mark in case i am missing something. I have had my reactor off completely now for almost 24 hours. Will test in a bit and see what i have. I think i will do a water change as well just not tonight Hockey game.

Keith

[24storm]

Okay i just went and tested. With reactor off for 24 hours readings are now
11 DKH
425 Calcium

So how low do i let the calcium go?
Should i leave the reactor off till the dkh is at 7? 8? 9?

Thanks again for the help Mark I really appreciate it.

Keith