Something has got to give!!!!

[Im Lon 2]

I would test for magnesium, before adding anything to the tank.

If Magnesium is low that could be why your alk is jumping around (or at least I think)

Do you have fresh Salt water made? If so what do it test out at?

 

[pewter_jean]

I haven't made up any this week. I quit doing water changes for a while. Was told that could be part of problem. And let me tell you, I feel like I am commiting a major sin not changing water when nitrate are up at 100. I don't have a magnesium test kit. But I will see about one.

 

[DrBDC]

Check mag, make sure it's 1350 give or take about 50, and bump the alk up with just enough baking soda to take it to about 3-3.5 always make sure on the volume entry in the calculator to only enter water amounts not water and rock. And yes that is a guess. So if you have 280 total system, I'd guess 225 gallons. On my 245 right now, I always use 200 and it tests out exact. It surprises me that the rock takes up so little actual water volume. That's due to all the pores and holes in it.

 

[Im Lon 2]

i have a Mag. test kit.. Will you be around tonight? I could come by and test it.

 

[Im Lon 2]

I also have epson Salt in case you need to raise it.

 

[pewter_jean]

Just got back from Gateway, Steve ran the test. I am at 1500 or 1300. I am as high as the chart goes. (Long drive home).

 

[pewter_jean]

I don't think I need to raise it. But I have not a clue what it means. I need to go read up about it. I don't now how it got that high. But then again, I don't know what the heck my tank is doing.

 

[DrBDC]

1300 is just about perfect and no reason to worry about that. 1500 is fine too and the only thing to do on that is wait for it to drop.

PM responded also. We've been out of power and just got it back.