alk/dll level too high?

S

STANLEE

New member
Hi
I ran my usual tests the other day and added the alk /dll test. They came out at 5.6 and 14 ish which I know to be high. Is this a problem in my set up as I want to add an anenome soon ( this is being dealt with by the clown and anenome brigade as I write I hope!) My other parameters were all good bar phosphate at 0.5 ppm which I m adding phos ban to alleviate this if needed. My PH is 8.2 . Have nt ever measured Calcium, Strontium levels, do I need to? My salinity is 1.0225 a bit low? If I need to lower the alk/dll how do I go about this please? I don t have a skimmer either and at this stage need to do this, a non sump one any good advice for 1 for my set up? Many thanks. Dave.
 
The alkalinity is not a substantial problem. Just back off on alkalinity additions for a few days. How are you supplementing it?

I would get the salinity up before adding an anemone. If the anemone is coming from an LFS that happens to have low salinity too, then you can raise it slowly after you get it. If the LFS has natural ocean salinity (specific gravity = 1.026-1.027), then I would raise yours first to that level.

It's been a long time since I shopped for a skimmer, so I don't have any specific suggestions there.
 
Randy,
I have nt supplemented with anything to raise the alk levels for a few months and that was 8.3 buffer trade name Waterlife. Do I need to do a separate calcium test or is the alk /dll test the same?Is the phosphate level of 0.5 ppm a problem? Many thanks for your help. Dave.
 
Dave,

I would suggest if you havn't purchased new test kits lately you may want to. I would also suggest that you do have a dKH and a Ca test. That is if you need a Ca test kit. If you don't have any corals you can run it for kicks and giggles, but your live rock and crabs, snails will love you for it. Where is you top off water coming from? PO4 is a tad high but you are taking care of that with PO4 binder. I have done water changes to reduce the alk/dKH before. Good luck will be following you

dustin
 
Hi Dustin
I have all new test kits, I just wondered if I maybe introducing an anenome siutable to my system soon after upgrading my lighting wether I should check calcium levels or as the alk /dll is 14 /5 then are calcium levels ok?I may also intro corals when lighting upgraded . I asked in the nem/ clown forum about lighting requirements etc but had no replies as yet! I get my water r/o already salted to 1.023 from a local LFS. and do 25l into about 160 allowing for live rock displacement. I will put the phos ban into juwel filter today and check phos levels tomorrow to see if gone to 0 ppm. Any further advice on aneneomes suitable for my system and what lighting wattage spectrum penetration would be needed for this would be great my system is 40"x16"x16". Using just the juwel filter on juwel 180 tank with 20 kg live rock german quartz substrate, 2x 1200 maxi jet power heads, 1 x 30w blue power glo light 1 x white 30w power glo light. I know I have to upgrade considerably for anenome addition with this lighting. I don t have a skimmer but may purchase today or tomorrow it will be a hang on type as no sump so any advice on which one suitable for this system ? Many thanks . Dave.
 
as far as introducing anemone's to a system I am not sure. but for corals you will need to check these things

Lighting (depends on what corals)
filteration/skimmer tons of good ones I use lifereef
Salinity 1.025-1.026
Temp from 78-81 deg F.
pH 8.-8.3
Ca (hard corals 400-450)
alk/dKH 9.-10.5 KH or dKH or 3.55-3.8 alk in meq/L
Magnesium up to 1500ppm

The list is very long but this is a great place to start.

dustin
 
Hi
So at 14 ish and 5 ish is my alk/dKh too high ? will this be harmful to anenome at all?Is water change only way to bring this down ?Should I be running a test for calcium also and magnesium? What should I be supplementing with if introducing an anenome and corals? Can you recommend a good multi supplement product ?
Many thanks . Dave.
 
Do I need to do a separate calcium test or is the alk /dll test the same?

Calcium and alkalinity are different, and both should be monitored. This article may be useful:

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
So at 14 ish and 5 ish is my alk/dKh too high ?

It is a tad high, but it will come down if you don't add any. If you haven't added any, then your salt mix is high, or your top off of tap water has it, or the test kit is in error, or the calcium is very low.
 
Randy
Thanks for that article , very informative,I will test for calcium tomorrow with a new test kit and hope to hear from the clown/anenome crew soon! I think I asked too many Q s and they re all too busy! 0 replies! oh well will ask on other forums maybe! Your a great help Many thanks. Dave.
 
Dustin
He seems like he s the daddy of the subject! me with 5 posts! Randy with 37000 odd! you with 732! You have both helped me with flying colours. I ll be back with more no doubt as I ve found a place with people in the know and not just selling a product. Keep up the good work please I need all your knowledge and advice.I wish the clown/anenome crew were so attentive ! they must be busy people! Speak soon. Take care. Dave.
 
Dave,

I think the biggest part of keeping both the clown and the host is to continue to keep the tank balanced. Over time the maintanence will slow down and the enjoyment will increase. Just small adjustments. Start with your salinity. Look forward to hearing about your progress.

dustin

and yes randy is the man
 
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