Disaster!

[Timbits]

Originally Posted by Starry

whats your alk?

Wow ok so I tested for alkalinity and was shocked to find it at 0 ppm. Ph was low too at around 7.5. That is definitely the problem. What I dont understand is why all my corals/fish were looking the best I've ever seen, I do a water change and I get problems right away. If my alk was low, shouldn't the water change raise my levels a bit. Did around 30% change. Why was it still at 0.

Adding a buffer to the tank atm to get levels back in check and will monitor more closely in the future.

Corals are all looking 100 times better. Just a little color loss but no losses.

[daniella3d]

how is that possible to get 0 as a reading for alkalinity? don't you test from time to time and dose when necessary?

My guess is that it would take a long time to get the alkalinity down to such a low value?

[jtbadco]

i would double check those readings before you start to dose.

0ppm sounds kinda off.

[Timbits]

I did regularly test and everytime I did, levels were in check. So I admit I did slack off on the testing for a while.

Would a sudden decrease in phosphate lower alk? Or chemi clean in the system too long? Do u guys add anything to your top off water? Can't think of anything else that would have caused this.

Got levels back in check now and corals are looking good.

[daniella3d]

can you have someone else double check your alkalinity? 0 sounds unlikely.

[Timbits]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

can you have someone else double check your alkalinity? 0 sounds unlikely.

Maybe I read it wrong those color charts are so hard to read... Hmm I did test twice though because I was like it can't be! The first time but got the same reading again.

[rhody605]

Which brand of kit are you using for alk?

Mine doesn't use a color chart but is number of drops till color changes to indicator color.

[Timbits]

That's what I usually use but the last time I used those API test strips that u just dip in the water... That's all I have right now.