Ca/Alk/Mag Mess . . . How to fix?

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Enigma

My LPS look wonderful. My SPS aren't perfect, but okay. A couple are a little browned, but growing. I can't tell by looking at anything that the calcium is so out.
.

sounds like a typical mixed reef to me, lps doing fine and sps could be doing better:P

i

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Back to Shelley's original question, shall we ???

I'm enjoying the banter. Don't stop on my account.

Seachem Reef Status Carbonate test shows that total alkalinity is 3.2 meq/L (9 dKh).

This test confuses me. I assume that total alkalinity is what the API test tests for. But, there is a second part to this Seachem test: which tests for borate alkalinity. Subtract the borate alkalinity from the total alkalinity to get the carbonate alkalinity.

But, since the API test is so simple a trained monkey could do it, I assume it is total Alk.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by MKLKT

If you did 5 gallon changes separately you'd be getting diminished returns over just doing 50%.

I have rheumatoid arthritis. Even working with 5 gallons of water is painful. I'll take the diminished returns over agony.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by reefwars

sounds like a typical mixed reef to me, lps doing fine and sps could be doing better:P

i

That sums it up nicely.

The only thing I think when I look at the system is that nutrients are a bit too high, and lighting is a touch to low. Those are the two things that look "off" based on how things are doing.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Enigma

That sums it up nicely.

The only thing I think when I look at the system is that nutrients are a bit too high, and lighting is a touch to low. Those are the two things that look "off" based on how things are doing.

what do you classify as high nutrients, i think many coral growers will tell you some nutrients are good.


its the sudden changes that messes with your tank, i could bomb all the food i want into my tank if i train my tank to do so over time,if i do it over night its going to have a negative affect.

you have to know when a problem arises whether or not its right to act immediately or play it with patience....this is something you just learn after a while....i think your scenario now is the patience one.


i would do as mentioned and start with a heavy water change to balance things out a bit.

test your water over the next month without adding or doing anything, its hard to add anyting if you dont know what your using right??

after that month determne whats low , whats been changing , and what is needed.

keep a visual eye on everything and do your reg water changes.

if you really want to get this right your gonna have to write it down and write there affects down.

since your not in any kind of red zone you can afford to experiment slowly with a few things.

keep attacking phosphates and nitrates in a mixed reef are tolerable

[gregzz4]

Are you going to try a different brand of kit ???

I'm bantering with Brad through PMs about my hi Ca IO salt, but I'll stick with my Elos kits

Not saying Brad has anything bad to say about IO or Elos, just that he thinks my salt should never be able to read that hi out of the bucket

I just re-tested some NSW 2 times, and my RO, and as far as I can tell, I am still getting 460 out of my IO NSW, but zero out of my RO

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Are you going to try a different brand of kit ???

Every batch of every box of my RBS is exactly the same. Good salt to try Sure, it costs a bit more, but isn't worth the peace of mind?

[gregzz4]

Wow, $85 for RBS vs $35-40 for IO
I think I'll stick with my buckets that are giving me grief

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by reefwars

what do you classify as high nutrients, i think many coral growers will tell you some nutrients are good.

All the film algae that I have to clear away on a daily basis and that fact at I have a crazy abundance of feather dusters (which even grow on my glass and silicone) lead me to believe that the nutrients are high. Nitrate is almost always zero, and phosphates test low.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Are you going to try a different brand of kit ???

For what? I just used Seachem for Alk instead of API. I don't have another calcium test on hand, but the one I now have (Seachem) tests a known sample accurately.

What's RBS salt?

I'm hoping to change to a brand that will cause me less grief. Since the beginning I've had issues with Alk. And, when I finally get them corrected, calcium goes to poo.