Keeping ballance
- Thread starter magdelan
- Start date
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
I recommend using Ca, Alk, and Mg supplements from Bulk Reef Supply to adjust parameters.
When you say the Alk "precipitates", does it leave white particles that stay in the aquarium, or is it simply cloudy when you add it? If it's just cloudy as you dose it, that's normal.
If you're getting precipitates, it may be time for some new test kits to see if things actually are out of balance.
Along with your test result numbers, how are your corals doing?
When you say the Alk "precipitates", does it leave white particles that stay in the aquarium, or is it simply cloudy when you add it? If it's just cloudy as you dose it, that's normal.
If you're getting precipitates, it may be time for some new test kits to see if things actually are out of balance.
Along with your test result numbers, how are your corals doing?
Whenever I add the Alk supplement from BRS it turns into little white flakes, which eventually all dissolve. The b-ionic 2-part did the same thing. I did some research and asked around and found that it is normal and nothing to worry about.
So if that's what your referring to, you'll be fine.
So if that's what your referring to, you'll be fine.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
x2 on the actual numbers of Ca and alk and how do your corals look?
also include Mg level.
magdelan
Fish?
I don't have the "actual" number. Tom at TRS checked it for me cause I'm out of kits. The Alk was tested by a red sea kit and was yellowish=LOW. Calcium was in the High range. I don't have a mg test to give. My corals are looking dull and washed out so I know that they need their Ca and Alk back in order.
Re: white flakes (with out sounding unappreciative or like a smarty pants) I have been dosing "Randy's Two Part" for two years now... I know what it should look like when I add the Ca part to the water and it shouldn't be like a snow storm and I dissagree that it's normal for that to ever happen. If it's precipitating it means that it can't dissolve hence rendering it USELESS.
So, instead of screwing around with mixing and matching and adding some of this and some of that, I'm going to do a 150ish gallon water change this weekend. I think that should get things back on the right track.
After the WC, I will test my Ca, Alk and Mg levels again.
PS: my Nitrates went from 250ppm to 30ppm after dosing vodka for almost 3 months now.
Re: white flakes (with out sounding unappreciative or like a smarty pants) I have been dosing "Randy's Two Part" for two years now... I know what it should look like when I add the Ca part to the water and it shouldn't be like a snow storm and I dissagree that it's normal for that to ever happen. If it's precipitating it means that it can't dissolve hence rendering it USELESS.
So, instead of screwing around with mixing and matching and adding some of this and some of that, I'm going to do a 150ish gallon water change this weekend. I think that should get things back on the right track.
After the WC, I will test my Ca, Alk and Mg levels again.
PS: my Nitrates went from 250ppm to 30ppm after dosing vodka for almost 3 months now.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
jmo
jmo
I'd use my own test kits.
The solution might be a simple fix.
jmo
I'd use my own test kits.
The solution might be a simple fix.
magdelan
Fish?
Ok, I'll be over in 35min. You're such a gentleman!
I agree with you, the Ca part shouldn't look like a snow storm. Its the Alk part that does and always has for me, be it the BRS or the b-ionic. And even though I get the white flakes it still raises my Alk. The white flakes do dissolve, I just have to point a powerhead at them.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
thanks!
your thread here is in regards to keeping balance, Mike.
One of the first steps to keeping balance is being able to perform your own water tests.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I agree. In this case a water change is probably a much better option than messing independently with levels.
If aquarium alk is constantly low a saltmix with high alk values might be a better choice for you.
