Is High Alkalinity bad?

[recoiljpr]

Yesterday I purchased a cheapey Jungle Labs (Quick Dip Aquarium Multi-Test Kit) brand saltwater test strips. Everything tested normal in my tank but the Alkalinity, the color I received was off the charts (bright blue, high end)! I am going today to my LFS to get a kit so I can get exact numbers, but in the meantime, do I need to do anything immediately? My snails, crabs, false percs & my zooanthids seem to be doing just fine.

 

[Anonymous]

I would wait and get a real good test kit to confirm your readings.

If you Alk is HIGH more then likely your CA is LOW. If this is the case try rasing you CA with something like Turbo Calcium SLOWLY.
_________________
Eating Disorders Forum

 

[Anonymous]

I second what Rob said.

 

[recoiljpr]

I purchased a two solution Calcium kit and it said I was at 400. From what I have read that does not sound like I am low on Calcium, correct? My LFS did not have any seperate PH/ALK testers other than the jungle labs 5 in 1 test strips I originally purchased. Do you think the strips are wrong? Also, what ph/alk tester do yall reccomend I purchase?

 

[Anonymous]

400 sounds fine. You should consider investing in a better test kit. Personally I like the Salifert kits. Many use them with great results.

 

[jumpincactus]

Ditto on Salifert. For basic needs they do a fair job at checking water parameters.

Your calc @ 400 is great if you move to SPS or other corals try to hit and maintain 420-450 You will need to maintain your alkalinity between 6-11 DKH

Balance is the key