parameters

[ladyfsu]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1024446

...and if my pH is really that high, I shouldn't be doing a very big dosing of this stuff for a couple weeks I guess. :/

 

[college429]

Don't dose any more calcium. You calcium is too high. You should be checking Alkalinity. I never check PH. If your alkalinity is right, your ph should be right too. You need to test often enouph to get into a routine with how much of your 2 parts to add. Don't listen to what it says to add on the bottles. You need to add supplements based on the results of testing your water. You should also check magnesium on occasion, but less often, about once a month. 2 part additives are all you need. Don't get into Kalk, this will cause problems with PH. You will need very little of the calcium part because you don't have sps.

 

[ladyfsu]

I don't dose calcium...and I won't for a while. But I want to get into some SPS (mostly LPS though, I love them the most). You think the calcium is so high from the uncured live rock? I need to get parameters straight (slowly apparently) and then I'll get into a routine to keep them straight (I hope ).

 

[ladyfsu]

alkalinity at 15...not good.

 

[markandkristen]

as far as ph. one of the things about it is the room the tanks in.
mine is normally 78-79 but if i open a window for a very long time it move up to 82-83
i have found out other reefers experience the same thing
but in your case i would just let it come down or you could do some water changes .
what kind of test kits are you using?

 

[cmjreef]

Calcium and alkalinity too high? I'm not sure you're not using bad test kits or performing the tests improperly. If these levels are correct, do a good 30% water change, continue testing calc. and alk. and DOSE NOTHING!! until both of those levels fall; they should within a couple weeks. Make sure your pH remains stable, and from now on, be prepared to test all 3 of these parameters weekly at least, until these levels balance. Then, start dosing B-ionic, etc. at minimal doses until you determine how much your particular tank requires. It's time-consuming and a real pain, but once you figure it out, all will run smoothly. IMHO and sorry to ramble.

 

[ladyfsu]

I agree! Thanks for the input. I am quite concerned about the test KIT itself. I have 1 at home, and 1 at school giving me the same readings...both by the same company. I'll let you know what I find out with different test kits.

Doing the test properly ... I thought I might be messing it up but I've had 2 others perform it as well. I'm thinking/hoping this kit is baddddd!

 

[ladyfsu]

OK ... tried some other stuff that was donated several months ago that I've never used.

Seachem - (they donated several kits) Calcium 400
Pinpoint pH Monitor 7.8
LaMotte alkalinity 4.5

Does that sound more correct?