PH and KH levels are really high - PLEASE HELP

[FragMan07]

I just did a water test and the PH and KH are off the charts. The Nitrates and Nitrates are perfect.


Please help get my tank back to normal.


I just removed a rock that I'm pretty sure was the cause of the levels going off the charts......so now the cause is gone, how do I fix the damage????

 

[bertoni]

Well, the problem might be the test kits. Have any pH buffers been added? They are just high-pH alkalinity supplements, so they often cause this problem. Water changes will help if any animals are showing signs of trouble. Otherwise, waiting usually fixes this problem.

How is alkalinity being measured?

 

[FragMan07]

I add Ph and Alk to my tank on a bi weekly rotating schedule. I add calcium 4 times a week

I am using test strips called a 5 in 1 aquarium test strips for fresh and saltwater.

I have no specific test for the Alk. But when I dip the strips, the colors turn VERY bold, and that reads as bad.

 

[marduc]

Take the water to LFS and have them test it for a second opinion prior to taking drastic action.

 

[bertoni]

I agree on getting a second opinion. Also, I would invest in a good alkalinity and pH kits, like Salifert, SeaTest, or API.

A 2-part like B-Ionic or similar products is a safer method of dosing calcium and alkalinity.

 

[seapug]

What are the levels you got? "Off the charts" is kinda relative and like others mentioned, those test strips are about the least reliable method out there.

 

[reeftanker04]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10793395#post10793395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FragMan07
I add Ph and Alk to my tank on a bi weekly rotating schedule. I add calcium 4 times a week

I am using test strips called a 5 in 1 aquarium test strips for fresh and saltwater.

I have no specific test for the Alk. But when I dip the strips, the colors turn VERY bold, and that reads as bad.

Sounds like you need to get some Salifert Tests. I don't recommend using the 5 in 1 tests unless it's an emergency. Salifert are the best tests IMO.

 

[FishTruck]

Agree anecdotally with salifert. Will need to know your calcium levels to make sense of the alk and pH. It should be very low, or things are not adding up.

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10793395#post10793395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FragMan07
I add Ph and Alk to my tank on a bi weekly rotating schedule. I add calcium 4 times a week

I am using test strips called a 5 in 1 aquarium test strips for fresh and saltwater.

I have no specific test for the Alk. But when I dip the strips, the colors turn VERY bold, and that reads as bad.

what are you adding to your tank for pH and alk?

 

[Dr Begalke]

keep an eye on those two angels, i had a flame and coral in a 120... they did fine for a few months, even swam together.. then all of a sudden the flame started attacking the coral relentlessly... i had to remove the coral.

 

[WaterKeeper]

If you test results do prove to be true read Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems.

 

[Aquarist007]

thanks waterkeeper---I don't know why I didn't suggest that--that article has become my bible

Still would like to know what they are using right now