8.4 pH but 300 Ca

[clownchic]

My 90 gallon has been up and running about 8 weeks now. No corals just live rock, sand and snails. Today I took some Salifert measurements and my pH is on the high side (8.4) but my Ca is at 300. Is this OK at this point? How can I lower the pH to 8.2 and yet raise the Ca to the 375-400 range? FYI - I am doing weekly 10% water changes, usnig a Deltec MCE600 skimmer if that makes a difference. No ammonia, 0 nitrates and nitrites.

 

[L and L]

Everything is fine. No need to adjust.

Did you take the pH reading at the beginning or end of your photocycle?

 

[clownchic]

Toward the end

 

[Dan Thrash]

what type of salt are you using? the ReefCrystals i use give me a higher pH at 8.4, alk is on the higher range, but i think calcium is slightly low.

 

[clownchic]

I'm currently using IO, but recently bought Reef Crystals to use next. I want Ca higher but as I understand if I raise Ca my pH will go up?

 

[kevensquint]

NO, your PH should'nt be affected by using CaCl2 (DOW) to raise Ca, if you use limewater (kalkwasser) to do it, then your PH will go up. I am not in agreement with 300 ppm Ca being good. Keep it between 400-450, Alk should be 8-10 DKH and PH 8.1-8.4.

 

[clownchic]

I have B-ionic. Please explain - CaCl2 (DOW)? Would B-ionic be something I could use to raise Ca to the 400 range and not raise pH? Thanks!

 

[mystikdragon7]

I believe if you raise the calcium it will in turn lower the alk. which will help bring down the pH.

 

[manowar41]

raise your calcium to 425 your alkalinity will lower then raise your alk to about 9 it is a balancing act be patient

 

[WaterKeeper]

Use the B-ionic Part 2 to raise calcium without raising alkalinity.

Oh and

Hi Man `O War
[welcome]

 

[clownchic]

Do I dose part 2 per the instructions, just leave out part 1?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Yes.

Here's a Calculator

 

[clownchic]

WaterKeeper,
If I calculated correctly I need to add quite a bit of Bionic part 2. Do you suggest doing that over several days?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Yes I would. Space them out so you add 3 doses rather than one. Calcium won't harm anything but it may precipitate if you add one big dose. Give it another day after you are finished and retest. Good Luck.

 

[clownchic]

Thanks so much.

- Clownchic

 

[L and L]

That's correct. Calcium in NSW is around 380-480ppm. I was really aiming at your pH being fine. Nothing worse than adding a bunch of stuff to get your pH down. Your Calcium is a little low, but I wouldn't certainly call it bad.

The only additive I add is Kalkwasser. keeps my phosphates down and keeps my alk and calcium up. Kalkwasser is cheaper than usiung Bionic... but, Bionic is easier. =)

Good luck,

 

[clownchic]

Being still new at this, easy is good. After I get a feel for the "chemistry" I would most definitely like to do "cheaper".

 

[Spuds725]

Being as you haven't mentioned your alk, check it... Ignore your pH for now.... your alk and calcium are very interelated-- so if you start dosing calcium (especially too quick) you can deplete your alkalinity and then your pH can crash..... test your alk to see where its at and dose the parts of the 2 part as necessary... You may not have to add the alk part, but you still want to know where its at...

Here is a good read on the alkalinity/calcium relationship...

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

Also, try checking your pH before lights on and see if you have a drop overnight (very common due to elevated CO2 levels)-- In most instances you don't need to chase pH-- take care of everything else and the pH will usually take care of itself..

the cheaper recipes (for 2 parts) can be found here--- Kalkwassar is another discussion...

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php#15

I do agree you are being smart to learn the chemistry first

 

[L and L]

Well said Bill.

:thumbsup:

 

[clownchic]

I have a Salifert test for Alk. I test tonight. Thanks for all the great advice and the links. It's sort of like trying to balance the chemicals in my swimming pool, but much more satisfying result.

- Clownchic