Alk out of whack

[Angelscrx]

My PH is 8.0 and my Calcium is between 400-450 but my Alk according to the salifert test kit is 14.4 dkh or 5.14 meq/l. I was using a different test kit and it show high normal low and it always read high so I bought the new test kit. Natural sea water is 8 dkh or 2.9 meq/l So i know my alk is out of whack. I am still fighting a phosphate problem could that be it?

What can I do? Thanks

 

[Illusion]

With your Ca where its at your alk isnt too far out of line... With the Calcium where its at I would just not add any Additives and let it fall on its own... What Calcium test do you have 400-450 is quite a big difference... if its 400 you can add a bit of turbo calcium and it will lower the alk some... here is a Calculator

HTH<
James

 

[Angelscrx]

Should I try and keep it around 400 then to keep it closer to ocean parameters or is it different for tanks? Thanks for the calculator it makes me feel a lot better about my params.

 

[Illusion]

most run the Ca between 400 and 450... And just use the Calculator and keep the Alk pretty close to what it says.. You will never get perfect lol.. Try not to go higher than 12dkh though.. Usually anywhere between 8 and 12dkh is good... I keep my Ca at about 450-480 and Alk about 9.3 - 12.. Trying to adjust to 12dkh to balance a bit better.. LOL

HTH<
James

 

[Angelscrx]

I really appreciate the help. Thanks a million. I guess the right test kits help too.

 

[Illusion]

Yeah the Red SEa kits are really bad which I can tell by the alk readings prior is what you were using LOL

James

 

[Angelscrx]

Yeah the Red SEa kits are really bad which I can tell by the alk readings prior is what you were using LOL

James

For a second there I thought you were in my house looking at my test kits. Good guess man. I am going to try and get all Salifert if I can find it.

 

[Illusion]

yeah I have been there done that with the Red SEa kits... Very inaccurate LOL... www.marinedepot.com www.premiumaquatics.com and www.customaquatics.com all have Salifert kits.. Customaquatics seems to be the cheapest but I have only ordered from premium and marinedepot.. Marinedepot seems to be the one that always sells out first...

HTH<
James

 

[Angelscrx]

Thanks for the hook ups.

 

[Illusion]

no probs at all..

James