Low ALK.

[ZaboAA]

I can't find my previous post. But I ordered a bunch of new test kits (Salifert) and a new refractometer. I didn't trust what I was getting with my old ones. Below are my readings:

Calcium: 560 (High)
Alk: 70PPM(low)
Salinity 1.024 (where I want it)
PH: 8.5
Magnesium: 1230
Temp: 78 (night) 80 (day)
Nitrate: 0
Ammonia:0

Everything looks ok, but my alk is pretty low. I have a 135 reef (SPS, softies, and claims). I dose everyday with 2 part B-ionic: 90ml Alk (part 1), 90ml Calc (part 2). the last week I have been adding another 60ml of alk (part 1) at night trying to bring my alk up, doesn't seem to be working. Everything is doing great, should I worry about the low Alk? High Cal? Maybe the magnesium is a little low?

Help appreciated

 

[steve the plumb]

You could start to dose Randys alk formula.Its baking soada mixed with R/O water.I find it works great.Ask Randy I don't have the link.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, the alkalinity is much too low for calcifying corals and coralline algae.

I would add just the alkalinity part of the two part system, (or ordinary baking soda) and maintain alkalinity at 125-200 ppm calcium carbonate equivalents (2.5-4 meq/L; 7-11 dK), and let the calcium come down on its own. This article and calculator should help:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Reef Chemicals Calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html