Too low mag and ca.

[as1720]

Alk is high at 6.9
ca is low at 280
mag is low at 690

I have been using salifert Mag. I dosed 2 ml the first day and then 3 the last two days.

Calcium i have dosed 2 ml one day and and 1 ml the last 2 days.

i know ca can be a little slow to show up, is mag the same way?

i was thinking about taking some water to my local fish store to see if its my test kits.

Any input?

 

[Pentagona]

Shouldn't take any longer than 24hrs to stabilize, first things first though, what are your tank specs, what brand of Mag are you dosing, and same with Calcium? I'm asuming you're using the Salifert test kits?

 

[returnofsid]

I'm assuming that you're measuring your Alk in dKH as apposed to mq/l?
Ca being that low is extremely unlikely. I'd suggest you try a different test kit.
Mag being that low is also extrememely unlikely, so the same suggestion.

What test kits are you using?

Doing regular water changes or even irregular water changes would keep your Ca and Mg at much higher levels that you're getting. For Calcium to fall that low, you'd need to have a huge SPS or Clam population and have not done any significant water changes for a long period of time.

 

[as1720]

I am using two part dosing c-balance.

I am using salifert test kits. And salifert mag.

nitrate 10 (water change as soon as i get my new ro/di filters)
pH is 8.2/8.3 ish
amonia 0
nitrite 0

Alk 9.6
Ca 280
mg 690

 

[as1720]

Sorry yes i ment KH not meq/l

I think its my test kits. I have a little bit of cyno but nothing horrible just a little bit here and there.

LPS softie tank, weekly 10 gallon water changes. Due for a water change.

 

[returnofsid]

Yeah, I would definitely suspect your test kits. Calcium and Mag readings that low are hardly possible.

 

[as1720]

thats what i thought! now just cross your fingers nothing gets ruined because of it!

 

[returnofsid]

Well, get accurate test kits, or have your results double checked at a LFS. Chances are, your Ca and Mg aren't near as far off as you think. I'd also double check your Alk as well.

 

[as1720]

Im just going to buy new test kits today.