Does this make sense?

[92reefer]

I used to use B-Ionic 2 part to keep up the ALK/CA in my 92 gallon reef. After struggling while trying to keep the CA levels up, I realized my salt mix and MAG levels were too low. Major water changes and salt mix change later:

I haven't used the B-Ionic since last June and my ALK-CA levels HAVE NOT CHANGED! I don't understand it. I don't have alot of corals that would require the additional CA but I don't understand why the levels haven't dropped off. Needless to say I haven't added the 2 part or anything to my tank.

My levels are :

CA - 485
ALK - 5.5 (morning) 7.8 (halides on-afternoon)
MAG - 1200

Does this make sense to anyone? I'm confused..

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Alkalinity does not rise and fall during the day unless you added something. Did you add anything between AM and PM?

Is the dKh or meq/l for alkalinity?

At 5.5 dKH, most corals will reduce or stop calcifying because it is too low.

 

[92reefer]

That's the thing Randy. I haven't added a thing for almost a year! I was having trouble keeping the CA up for awhile but I believe it was because the MAG was too low, around 850 or so. Since I added the MAG and fixed that level; the CA has been up and has not dropped. Oddly enough, my ALK (in DKH) has always been low;like never above 8. I use RO/DI water and I've tried horsing the levels by adding extra buffer, part 1; but have never had success so I just left the ALK alone. Isn't it strange that the ALK/CA levels haven't changes over the better part of a year without adding any buffers (B-IONIC)?

Also; I only have mushrooms, xenia (doing very well) and a few small button polyps in the tank so would these corals necessarily be affected by the low DKH levels, or would only hard-type corals?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Only hard corals use calcium and alkalinity. Coraline algae might be the only user in your tank, and if low enough in growth, water changes alone might have kept things OK.

 

[92reefer]

so should I just keep on going with the tank as is and not use the B-Ionic (in your opinion)?

 

[steve the plumb]

Why don't you use Randy formula.The baking soda will raise your alk.

 

[92reefer]

where's his formula posted?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Here's the DIY recipe, while will be updated in a few days at www.reefkeeping.com

A Homemade Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Additive System
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2004/chem.htm



In your case, you could use just the alk part to maintain 7-11 dKH until the calcium domes down (if ever), then use both parts.