Calcium problem & PH

[bsp]

I have a 12 gal nano that's been set up for a month. It has cycled,but I'm having problems getting the calcium up and the PH to stablilize. I have been adding tons of calcium and Ph buffer and suggestions? Pleas I need some help.

 

[devilboy]

what are your readings?

 

[bsp]

All my readings are fine but those 2. I have 12lbs. live sand & 16lbs. LR. The LFS tells me to keep dumping in calcium and it will eventually right itself.

 

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by bsp
All my readings are fine but those 2. I have 12lbs. live sand & 16lbs. LR. The LFS tells me to keep dumping in calcium and it will eventually right itself.

NO! dont listen to the LFS. what are your exact pH, CA, and alk readings, then we will go from there

 

[bsp]

Ph is about 7.9 which it will not stay up,calcium I can't get higher then 280, and I don't have a alk test kit, and it's snowing like all get out here so I can't get one til tomorrow.

 

[devilboy]

thats ok. but stop adding calcium. my guess is your alk reading is all screwy thats why you CA is down. just my guess. do you have a magnesium test? a low mag reading will also keep your CA down

 

[waterpolo]

You definately need test kits. Don't listen to the LFS especially if they are not reputable.

 

[bsp]

Well I'll have to get a test kit for that too then. If the alk readings are wrong what is done to right them? I use well water in the tank so who knows whats in it. I've never checked for magnesium or alk. for that matter. Never had a problem with my old tank.

 

[devilboy]

This is the balancing table I use...
Alk/ dKH/ Calcium
0.00 0.00 360
0.50 1.40 370
1.00 2.80 380
1.50 4.20 390
2.00 5.60 400
2.50 7.00 410
3.00 8.40 420 (Near sea water)
3.50 9.80 430
4.00 11.20 440 (goal)
4.50 12.60 450
5.00 14.00 460
5.50 15.40 470
6.00 16.80 480
6.50 18.20 490
7.00 19.60 500
this is a balancing chart i refer too for trying to keep my alk/ca in balance. i low magnesium reading will not allow to raise your calcium level to proper levels

 

[bsp]

What is the brand of test kits you use? I was using saltwater master and seatest. Does it really matter?

 

[waterpolo]

Originally Posted by bsp
What is the brand of test kits you use? I was using saltwater master and seatest. Does it really matter?
Some test kits are better than others because they are more accurate. I would go with master.

 

[bsp]

Thanks for the help. I'll pick some up tomorrow and test away. Should I do a water change if the mag & alk is off? I guess I'll go back to the books.

 

[waterpolo]

I would do one.

 

[devilboy]

i use salifert. i dont know if the master kit has a mag test in it. but yes if they are off i would do a water change

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by bsp
I have been adding tons of calcium and Ph buffer and suggestions? Pleas I need some help.
Never add buffer to raise PH. It will almost always cause problems.
I'd suggest large water changes every other day for 3 or 4 water changes.

 

[waterpolo]

correct

 

[bsp]

Well I have good news for two reasons. I did get a alk.test kit and found it was off the charts. So I bought water and did a water change. Then I was in search for the problem. MY WATER. When I had my other tank in 1995 never had to check alk. With a water softner not a problem. Replaced the softner in 2002 and now I have the problem. I used water from the outside faucet, that's not softned, alk is fine.Obviously the old water softner was not working. Soooo now I have a good water softner for the house,but will have to go though a little more work to get my tank water. Know big deal.Now on to more water changes. Tanks for the help you solved my problem. Boy I got a little winded. By the way we got about 10" snow. Nothing to you in Wis.