Chem levels are out of wack HELP!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Regular water changes are always a fine idea, but I wouldn't do them to correct calcium and alkalinity problems. In this case, I'd just let the alkalinity decline on its own, and calcium will also come down a small amount. Just don't dose anything until the alkalinity is down a bit.

FWIW, I recommend 125-200 ppm CaCO3 equivalents (2.5-4 meq/L; 7-11 dKH) for alkalinity. Forget the kit recommendation, it is wrong.

 

[Lyscer]

thanks. I have never done a real water change. I have always just topped it off.

 

[Sullyman]

How long has the tank been set up?
Bob

 

[Lyscer]

2 months

 

[Lyscer]

I need to clarify that. The water has been in there a while. Snails have been in there since december and fish/corals were added last week.

 

[Sullyman]

I change 20 gallons of water a month in my 125. You'll find a lot of different approaches to water changes, but I can advise you to do monthly water changes. I do 20 gallons because that's how many containers I've got. Some people will tell you more, some less, some don't change water. I think it's easier to do a water change than try to add trace elements with an additive. After the tank is stocked the water changes will pull out waste products and add the trace elements.
Bob

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Here's a discussion on water changes:

Water Changes in Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php