Help with water params

[Futurecanadian]

Hey Guys & Gals,

I finally recieved my new test kits in the mail. I picked up the ELOS Nitrtate, Calcium, & Phosphate tests and a LaMotte Alkalinty test. The Elos tests are so easy and user friendly. However the LaMatte was not.

Here are the results

Calcium: 450 ppm
Phosphate .01 ppm
Nitrate between 15-20 ppm
Alkalinity 180 ppm
SG 1.025

Here are the issues. I do not know how to read the LaMotte Alk test very well. You are supposed to read the syringe which I did, but it doesnt clearly state the units of measurement in ppms or do I need to multiply the units by some unknown factor? Does anyone have this test kit and have any advice? I am a total tool when it comes to these things.

Also, judging the other measurements, where should I work on and pay more attention to? I bought the 2 Parts of Alk & Calc from B-Ionic, and am open to advice on how to use the two additives to stabalize the levels.

Please feel fee to post any and all ideas on how to get my tank params to helathy levels. Thanks a ton.

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

1ml/4gallons

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

Do 20ml of each per day....see where your ph is....

 

[vivek]

multiply the reading by 0.052 to get value in dkh

 

[vivek]

here is a conversion web site link

http://www.saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php?units=DKH&dkh=8

 

[Futurecanadian]

Tonight's meeting was a huge success for my water params. I was told to check out the Chemistry page regarding these params and when I did I found out that my params are normal as far as alk and calc go!

However, I do now know that I need to purchase a Mag and PH ( nI have an API PH test, but hear it is junk) test... I have learned so much from joining this group. Thanks a ton guys.

 

[MMOORE0324]

Bionic is a great 2-part. I sold my CA reactor last year and have been using Bionic ever since with great results! Like Joe said, just 1ml/4g Once you get your alk and ph stable.. then you can start to slowly increase the dose to keep a higher CA level. I think coralline grows faster with bionic than it did with CA reactor too. If you are having issues with keeping your PH up... you can drip kalkwasser at night. In the winter I dose kalk 24/7. Adding kalk also helps to bind phosphates.

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

Also, add mag once a week....greg at AT sells it in bulk form....for about $7 you can buy a baggie that you mix with a gallon of r/o water.....I add 20ml/week to keep the mag levels around 1300 to 1350....I use bionic also....it makes life a lot easier...I also dose vit c everyday...

 

[serpentman]

Glad to hear you found it beneficial. Referencing pH, you really owe it to yourself to hawk the used forums for an electronic pH meter. Or consider purchasing a new one. I am very leery of any chemical pH test kits as the results can be very subjective to interpretation. It becomes a guess as to which color the results are showing. Since pH is an important parameter, I would not do anything to change it until you know FOR SURE what your value is. A properly calibrated pH meter will give you a nice clear and concise result.

 

[itZme]

Jeff has the right idea there. You can pick up a "PH Pen" at most stores for around $25. (about $10 more than a Salifert test kit) I bought one of them for testing new mixed water and other purposes where you would need a portable device to measure. There are monitors you can get in the $80-90 range (like Pinpoint or Milwaukee) that stay in the water and constantly update for a quick reference without even getting your hands wet.

Pen style (~$25):

Monitors (~$70-90):

Hope that helps
-- Kevin

 

[Futurecanadian]

Awesome info guys. I will work on the mag level testing this week and also the PH. If needed I will start adding Magnesium to help balance the PH. I am all about the easy PH testers, so I will for sure be looking into those bad boys... Once agin thank you all so very much.