alk

[matt the fiddler]

FYI.. i have been raising my alk over the past 3 weeks from 7 to 10.. that is the best way to do it...

for you mag flake guys.. is the 2 part mag mix with mag flake and the Epsom salts supposed to have the sludge on the bottom? Do i just need to seriously agitate it before dosing?

 

[waverz]

matt, i would keep on shakin'

I haven;t used it yet because i don;t have epson salts, i am going to get some tomorrow. I'll let you know how mine turns out.

 

[einsteins]

It does not completely dissolve ...

eins

 

[jtesdall]

Just so Ryan doesn't get confused ....

Matt mentioned going from 7-10, don't worry he is using a different way of measuring ALK. You are using meq/L and you should be 2.5 - 4, Matt is using dKH which is 7-11.

 

[Atticus]

The one thing that was missed in this is a water change. If your water chemistry becomes completely out of whack, first check the validity of your test kits, then either touch up your chemistry with additives or if the difference is too large do multiple water changes until you get back to your salt mixes intended values. Once you are back to your salt balance you can adjust with chemicals again for anything you desire. Salt mixes are designed to have a buffering ability and to meet the requirements of our livestock. The only reason for chemical alteration is ion useage by inhabitants or loss of ionic balance due to something we did. Too much alk causes calcium precipitation as an example. Your pH screams test kit or equipment error. If it is true you have a severe ionic imbalance somewhere.