Parameter Question

[Djbetterly]

So my current parameters are as follows:

temp: 79
pH: 8.2
Nitrate: <5
SG: 1.023
Mg: 1260
Ca: 490
dKH: 7.7

With this in mind, from everything I have read, it seems my Mg is too low and my Ca is too high, is this correct?

What are solutions for this?

I'm using ESV Salts with RODI water.

 

[rambler67]

Yes you mag is a little low and the cal is a little high your alk is a little low too. Its not that far off i would just raise the mag and the alk and the cal will drop on its own. Do you test when you mix your esv salt?

 

[Djbetterly]

Well I just received my alk, calc and mg tests last week. I tested once, gave it a week, tested again, after a water change and there really wasn't any change.

How do you raise the mag and alk? Probably a stupid question, but I want to make sure I do it right.

 

[rambler67]

you can dose or you can just mix the new salt water with higher mag and alk. the salt mix the bag that is magnesium sulfate will raise the mag of the solution and i believe bottle b of the mix is the one for alk. or you can get some 2 part solution and dose it that way but form the looks of your tank on your tank thread it not that heavly stocked yet so you most likely dont need to do that yet wc should do just fine. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ium-and-alkalinity-total-package-small-2.html

 

[Djbetterly]

Alright, I'm a bit confused...

So I mixed up some fresh water today and added addition magnesium sulfate, I added 6 extra grams, and with the part B of the mix I added and an additional 4 grams. I let it mix for a while and began testing. My Mg was in a good range, but my alk and Ca were through the roof!

So I guess I'm back to square one?!?!


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[rambler67]

What do you mean threw the roof?

 

[skene]

after a while you will get used to the amounts needed... but it takes patience and a lot of testing.

 

[Djbetterly]

My alk was close to 12, and Cal was over 500 which is as high a the test reads.

I haven't thrown the batch out yet. Is it possible to re-dilute and try and balance the levels out or would it be better to just trash it and start from scratch?


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[B.BASH]

Dj is this a reef or fish only? If a reef what kind of corals? Reef salinity should be around 0.25 as far as cal and alk your origional #s were not that far off in my opinion it's more important to keep them stable as close to those so called ideals as possible no good things happen fast in this hobby keep testing and watching your tank if all inhabitants are happy your ok stability is key in my opinion. I'm no expert but i've been doing this for a while and this approach works for me good luck

 

[rambler67]

Its not really that high but i would dilute a little how big is the batch you might not need much just add some water adjust your sal. and retest. I always like to start on the lower side its easier to bring the lvls up

 

[Djbetterly]

I made a five gallon batch. I started to dilute it but had to run out the door, so I'll get back to it this weekend. I left it with a powerhead and heater so it should be fine over for another day.