Help with tank reading

[janderson8]

For the last 4 mths my tank has been reading the following

SG = 1.025-.026
Nitrate = 40 PPM and comming down
Nitrite = 0
Amonia = 0
Calcium = 580 with out dosing
Alk has been reading low

So what I need to know is how to get my PH to stay at around 8.3

And how do I bring up my Alk and lower the calcium.

Thanks Every one Jason

PS this is in no means urgent. My tanks is fine and eveything is very healthy I am just wanting it to be even better.

 

[VCoo71]

are you using oceanic salt?

which test kits are you using?

charlie

 

[Knyght]

b.b.b.baking soda

 

[janderson8]

Yes I use oceanic salt.

Baking soda??? I know it works but I am wanting it to be long term and not somthing I need to do ofter.

Thanks

 

[janderson8]

For the PH I am using a selafert test/ PH controler

and all other test are Fastest/selafert.

 

[Knyght]

HTH

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

 

[VCoo71]

you will always have a high Ca and a Low alk using oceanic IMO/IME......CA at 500 in fresh a mixed batch will drive down your Alk

i switched over to seachem

charlie

 

[janderson8]

So many peps have had this problem with oceanic salt?

 

[LotR Clown]

Jason, empty your sent pm box too. I tried to answer your pm, but your box is full. It saves your reply pms too.

Kevin

 

[janderson8]

Done

 

[Youngsilver]

I have a 8oz bottle of Seachem "Reef carbonate Raises Carbonate Alkalinity" that you can have. I'll be coming down friday or saturday, I can leave it with sloan at exotic aquatics if you'd like.

 

[janderson8]

Ya I will take it thnks why you getting rid of it? Thanks

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Ok, this is a common problem with Oceanic Salt users. I see it all the time. I would slowly switch to a more proven salt such as Instant Ocean and Tropic Marin. Even if you were to switch to a new salt at the moment, you will never be able to get your Alk, Ca, and pH back in line without major water changes and/or dosing. But, you can slowly switch over and use an Alkalinity buffer or the Alkalinity additive of a two part additive system such as B-Ionic to slowly bring your Alkalinity back to a regular state. I would recommend bringing it up porportionally to about 10-11 dKH if your calcium is at 500-550ppm and then use a better brand of salt and let your tank slowly drop the Carbonate and Calcium slowly back down to a normal level.

See these links for details:
Ideal Parameters - http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php
Solving Alk/Ca Problems - http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
How to keep your Ca/Alk balanced - http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Now, though this is a common problem to have high Calcium with Oceanic salt, it shouldn't be given negative reviews necessarilly. Many tanks actually benefit from this salt brand, but it is usually high demanding of calcium tanks like an SPS and Clam tank. Your general mixed reef or soft coral/LPS reef does very poorly with this salt brand.