Ph Problem: High CA/Low Alk. Need to fix

[rebar]

I think i've figured out why my Ph is finally unstable and i want to see if there's agreement. Here's my readings;

CA = = 460 ? 475

KH = meq/L = 1.71 (ideal 2.5 - 4.0) and dKH = 4.8 (ideal 7 - 11)

1) So know here's the question: clearly my alk is low, and i need to fix that. so what's the best way?

2) is the calc that high? i hear 400 to 450 is the ideal? If so, how do i fix that?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Craig]

What is your Mg level at?

 

[Bob 1000]

Simple just add baking soda to ro and mix thoroughly and add very slowly about 3 tablespoons ...over the course of 3 days tesing daily...ONLY if the Mag is okay...ONLY if your tank is at least 180 gal..If not don't listen to me...

 

[rebar]

i just got an MG test kit and will test. my tank is 72 gallon

 

[Deanos]

Solving Calcium & Alkalinity Problems

IMO, no article better explains how to correct problems.

 

[crox99]

BTW what's your PH level?

 

[rebar]

Mg to low = 1050, so i need to fix

ph is about 7.8 to 8.0

My other question: is a cal level of about 470 too high? should i do something about it?

 

[chuck]

I was dosing Kalc to increase my calcium then noticed
my Alk went over 16!
I didn't have a mg test kit.. so I couldn't tell you what it was :skull: but
I found that by dosing Mg it brought it down after a few days.

I ordered a mg kit yesterday...

Instead of Kalc I now use seachem Turbo Calcium....

chuck

 

[Deanos]

should i do something about it?

:headache:

 

[House of Laughter]

rebar,

read that article - clearly your ionic balance is out of whack - once that is stabilized, your ph should adjust - 8.0 is low, but not bad

IMO, and it's only an opinion, you have larger issues than your PH - get the parameters stable and test test test.

House

 

[Wes]

im guessing you have been dosing a calcium suppliment w/out an alkalinity suppliment? You should not dose one w/out the other. Read the article, don't dose any calcium until you get your alkalinity and Mg up to where it should be Then measure your Ca and it will probably be right where it should be.

This should be in the beginners section.

 

[Phyl]

Test test test. Great advice.

Slow methodical changes are best for your system. Only bad things happen fast in this hobby so don't panic. That would be among the worst of the things you could do.

Stop dosing Calcium and just add Alk over a few days time until your back in balance.

I doubt your Calcium could be so high if your mag was low, so I'm guessing that's good to high.