dosing Randy's for the first time.

[virginiadiver69]

Okay, here we go. I just wanted to check in before trying something new with my tank.
It is a 125. I drip lime water but does not seem to keep up with my calcium demand so I have been adding Seachem reef advantage calcium dry when needed. I am surprised the kalk does not keep up. I only have 4 small sps frags but I do have two large (6-8") clams.
Another dilemma I have is that my pH stays down at 7.8 - 8.0. I thought kalk was supposed to raise pH.
Now to the issue at hand. I noticed yesterday my alk had fallen off to 6.8. My calcium is at 416, mag at 1230 and pH is 8.0.
I made up a batch off the alk portion for low pH and according to the calculator I need to add 5.2 fl oz. I plan on adding half tonight and the rest tomorrow after testing.
Can I let the kalk drip throughout the night as usual after dosing the alk solution? Can I add my Epsom salt (magnesium) tonight also or should I wait?

 

[twon8]

i would continue dripping kalk, i'd say you are safe to add both, just not at the same time/place.

 

[virginiadiver69]

What do you think about my pH being low even though I'm dripping kalk?
Is it normal for kalk not to keep up with a light demand?
Sorry for the basic questions but this is a new phase for me.

 

[bertoni]

Clams tend to count as heavy demand, if they're tridacnids. Also, coralline algae can consume a lot of calcium and alkalinity.

I'd probably try the aeration test in this article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

At the very least, that might be a good sanity test for the pH test kit.

Is full-strength lime being dosed?

 

[virginiadiver69]

Yes on the full strength. I have read about the aeration test but instead I left a window open in the same room as the tank for nearly a week with no change.
I know my pH levels are technically okay but I'm just surprised that the kalk has not caused a rise at all.