..calc dropped and ph drop..best way to fix?

[MammothReefer]

So I just got back from an trip and noticed things are starting to finally grow in my tank, but.. as a result my ph plunged from 8.3 to 7.7 and my calc from 440-420 to 370-360.

I tweaked a couple settings on my calc reactor I don't think it's really going to raise much just "maintain" so it won't drop any lower.

I'm not really to worried as it proboly happend slowly, everything in my tank appears to be happy..

Weekly (Well bi-weekly this week) water change is coming up in a copule days, which should help a little...

Any other Think I should start dosing Kalk with my top off?

I've also started to add more sps whats the best way to keep to things in check, as tank dyanmics change.

I also picked up an AcjR controller and have c02 controller not really to sure how to set that up? ie when I should to c02 on or off.

 

[stony_corals]

What's your alkalinity at?

 

[MammothReefer]

not sure gonna test today after work.

 

[Serioussnaps]

alk dropped too

 

[fishfanatic06]

Do you add magnesium? Is magnesium in your salt? It is hard to keep alk up when your magnesium is low. This might be why.

 

[MammothReefer]

Nope, don't add any..I use reef crystals. I hadn't had any problems until this past month

 

[MammothReefer]

hmm. think I'm going to do that water change tomorrow.. and see how things are looking.. Today my ph climbed from 7.70 to 7.76 So..it seems like the calcium reactor adjustment is starting to raise things.

 

[reefkeeperrut]

dolomite in your reactor will maintain Mag. I have the pH of my reactor's effluent set at 6.6 w/ the AC Jr. ARM media.

 

[60Cubed]

what is dolomite? do you have to add it in seperately?

 

[stony_corals]

You can put your dolomite into your reactor, just mix it in with your ca media. The problem with dolomite is that, in most LFS, I've seen the pretty colored stuff, you don't want that stuff. There is a product called ZEOMag that I use, I'm sure its just pure dolomite though. In the short term though, if you have a mg issue, just get a liquid supplement.

Also, if you have access to Oceanic salt, it has high levels of ca and mg.

 

[MammothReefer]

This weekend I need to "overhaul" my rector setup i have no clue what my efflunet is, as my control is in one room, and the reactor in the garage.

 

[MammothReefer]

bah..still low after water changes... time to start dosing some bionic i'm afraid

Guess having a ton of water has it's draw backs..

 

[reefman77]

Id use Kalk, the high PH, ALK, and calcium should help alot. just dont add it to fast

 

[MammothReefer]

hehe think i have no choice... Went home @ lunch to see what bionic i had left over from the ole dosing days..

3 bottles of Alkanity.. and no Calcium.. doH!!

Now I gotta read up on Kalk I never used the stuff.

 

[reefman77]

i use 2 tsp per gallon and about a gallon a day on my 150 gallon system

I would use a double dose to get your levels up and make sure you slowly add it to the tank wit one of these (very quick and easy to make) http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/nftt/index.php

Also, 1 gallon of water becomes saturated with about 2 tsp of Kalk. I dont suggest using any more than 2 tsp per gallon. Its just a waste IMO