Ca Level

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8449011#post8449011 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Thefilterguys
jd I have these really good drawings let me post one.
Jim

:eek2: lol

 

[bohlke]

I did switch them as they appeared to be flipped but no flow would come out of the unit. I then removed the auto-shut off valve and still nothing. Then I put the TDS meter on each output of the RO and still the readings were the same. I also pulled out the membrane and put it back in still no difference. I am ordering a new RO membrane and pre-filters now and I will double check the configuration before I fire it up.

 

[bohlke]

Ok I have most of my RO/DI issues resolved. My tank is now:

sailinity 1.0225
ca 290
ph 8.0
Kh 7.4

I have been adding aragamilk to get the Ca up so far it hasnt moved much. The pH seems low, I mixed up a batch of IO to do a 10% water change however it was at:

sailinity 1.023
ca 300
ph 8.0
Kh 7.7

Should I add something to the new water to get the ph and Ca higher?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Forget the Aragamilk. It is not a very useful additive. Use calcium chloride for the calcium boost, and raise it in two shots of about 60 ppm each. These may help:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

 

[bohlke]

Wow that a great site. I will get my Ca up first and then see what I need to do. Slow and steady....

 

[Thefilterguys]

Randy has you on the right track I would also up your salinity to 1.025 to 1.026.

Jim

 

[bohlke]

My LFS keeps the salinity at 1.022, if I continue to get things from them should I keep it close or is it better to have it at 1.025-1.026?

 

[jdieck]

Increase it just when you get things from them do the proper acclimation.
Many keep it low to save on salt, others to reduce parasitic infections or diseases but is not good for long term stability

 

[bohlke]

I used the calculator and it said to add 175ml of liquid calcium in 3rds. So I added 50ml last night, results are below:


Salinity 1.0235-1.024
Ca 370
Kh 8.7
pH 7.8

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8482517#post8482517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bohlke
I used the calculator and it said to add 175ml of liquid calcium in 3rds. So I added 50ml last night, results are below:


Salinity 1.0235-1.024
Ca 370
Kh 8.7
pH 7.8

Getting there, just one question. Your previous levels were
sailinity 1.0225
ca 290
ph 8.0
Kh 7.4

The Calcium increase of 290 to 370 in a 65 gal tank require a lot more than 50 ml of liquid Calcium, did you make the water change?
Are the numbers for Alkalinity and PH switched or did you added alkalinity also?

 

[bohlke]

Yeah I did a 10-15% water change with water closer to 1.025. I am assuming all the levels would increase with additional Instant Ocean. After that I added the liquid calcium.

 

[jdieck]

OK then just adjust your dosage for the next supplementation to match 420 ppm. Ca

 

[bohlke]

I did another 50ml just to be safe with topoff. Here are the results:

Ca 385
kH 8.0
pH 7.8

Should I wait until tomorrow to dose again or is it ok to do it tonight?

 

[Billybeau1]

You can dose again tonight.

 

[jdieck]

Yes add another 75 ml tonight and adjust the rest tomorrow if necessary.

 

[bohlke]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8485870#post8485870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdieck
Yes add another 75 ml tonight and adjust the rest tomorrow if necessary.

How long should I wait to test after I dose or is it just better to wait a day?

 

[jdieck]

It is better to wait 6 to 12 hours to test

 

[bohlke]

Only had time to test Ca this morning, its at 425. Now I can see how much I use from day to day.

 

[jdieck]

Perfect!

 

[bohlke]

Ok so should I now start getting my KH up? Just did a test:

Kh 7.7
Ph 7.8

Or is it better to wait a couple of days?