How high is too high with Alkalinity? I tested this afternoon and dKH was 13. I retested 2 more times to make sure my testing was consistant. Calcium was only 340 and pH is 8.4. All this after a 15 gal water change this morning around 9 am. Is this too high and if so how to I bring it down. I have the ESV B-Ionic 2 part solution but I'm afraid if i keep using is its going to raise my Alk while raising Ca. All the info I found so far has been how to raise alk not lower it. I'm a little misguided here maybe but was under the impression Ca should be around 400?

SG 1.023
Nitrate 5ppm
Phos .5ppm
Ca 340
Alk 13
pH 8.4


Using API test kits

Ok its Tuesday. I tested the water today and the Ca was up to 360 but the Alk was still at 13. pH 8.3. I've been adding some Calcium Chloride to bring Ca up to proportion with Alk. I did find some great info here:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

I'm in uncharted territory here so we'll see how it goes.

Yeah, thats all fubar. If you're doin water changes and it's staying like that, you should test your saltwater before you put it in the tank. You should have your calcium around 500 and I like to keep alk at like 7. I've noticed that with a higher alk, my cyano grows faster, and my xenia starts to melt, but I've seen different results in different tanks.

I tested the water at noon today and the dkh was down to 12 and Ca up to 380. I've been adding Seltzer water 1oz. at a time to bring the alk down my pH has also come down to 8.3 . So far no signs of stress. So far. I would like to get the alkalinity down to around 10 and Ca around 450. And from there I'll just monitor and add as i need. If anyone has other suggestions or ideas, feel free. lol

This would be a great topic at the next OMAS meeting. It is open discussion so we can answer or discuss any issues anyone would like to. Superbee862 welcome and hope to see you at the meeting

Happy Reefing

Lori

So far, plans are to make it their. Just need to figure out how to get there.

Any updates?