Alkalinity and Calcium levels

[c130bubba]

I just did a test on alkalinity and got a reading of 6.5. Is that too high? How do I get it down if it is. The calcium level showed 325. I added some calcium to raise it up. My tank is only live rock with some inverts and a few fish. I want to get to a reef tank quality soon. Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[calvindo]

need some help too! :jumping: :jumping: i already know that calcium level sould be 400ish, but what about kh and alk? how do i go about adjusting to the right levels
calcium 420
kh 13.3
alk 4.8
thanks in advance.

 

[attml]

Here is a great article on Alk & CA - HTH
Attml...I agree that is a great resource...but unfortunately that link is not allowed. Believe me I've tried to find a way to use it myself...but the ads and forum link cause serious problems here. I hope you understand.
nmreef

 

[calvindo]

cool! thanks!

 

[calvindo]

whats the difference between kh and alk?

 

[attml]

Alk is the actual substance alkalinity. dkh is the measurement of alkalinity (German Degrees Carbonate Hardness)
meq/L x 2.8

 

[calvindo]

ahh, i see.... :joy:

 

[nm reef]

If you aren't careful you can be overwelmed chasing the "perfect" numbers...sometimes it drives me nuts!
I try to maintain calcium around 450ppm...alkalinity between 2.8 & 3.5 meg/L...with a stable PH around 8.0-8.2 and a temp of 78-82 degrees. Plus I try to keep my magnesium around 1300-1500 ppm...the only additives I use are Seachem products designed to establish levels of calcium/alkalinity/magnesium...plus I top off with kalk to help maintain established levels.
I took a lot of trial & error along with regular testing to establish my levels but once I had a additive schedule in place things have become very stable. Normally I drip additives and kalk on a daily basis...at pre-determined levels. :yes:

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by NM reef
I try to maintain calcium around 450ppm...alkalinity between 2.8 & 3.5 meg/L...with a stable PH around 8.0-8.2 and a temp of 78-82 degrees. Plus I try to keep my magnesium around 1300-1500 ppm...
2.8 to 3.5 meq/l seems a little low shouldn't it be around 4-4.2 meq/l
Or is it just easier/more stable to maintain at these levels??

 

[nm reef]

I have found it difficult to increase my alk above 3.5 without adversely affecting my calcium levels. I think it has to do with my method of establishing levels. Maybe its just the seachem products...but there are folks that successfully have higher alk levels...it just doesn't work in my situation. But...a alk level of 2.8-3.5 meg/L is decent...and has been good in my situation.:thinking:

 

[dive1]

alkdkhcalcium
0.000.00360
0.501.40370
1.002.80380
1.504.20390
2.005.60400
2.507.00410
3.008.40420near sea water
3.509.80430
4.0011.20440
4.5012.60450my average
5.0014.00460
5.5015.40470
6.0016.80480great for frag tank
6.5018.20490
7.0019.60500

 

[reefnut]

I shoot for 440ppm and 11dKH. Currently it takes a lot of additives to keep it up at this level. I drip kalk 24/7 and have to add calcium and a buffer daily.
Adding calcium will bring down your alk but be careful to try and keep things balanced... as the chart dive 1 posted.

 

[attml]

NMReef,
Sorry about that! Take care and have a Happy Holiday!

 

[c130bubba]

OK. Back to my original question. My Alk is 6.5meg/l and my calcium is showing 325. I added calcium and the tank turned cloudy. Is this normal. Is 6.5 too high? I understand it will go down as the calcium goes up:thinking:

 

[c130bubba]

OK so should I keep adding the calcium to get the calcium up and will that bring the alk down or do I need to do something else? What about the cloudy water?

 

[calvindo]

actually, i think the alk is causing the cloudy water. everytime i add alk, my tank gets alittle cloudy, but usually clear up pretty quick.