hattrick58
Member
My hardness levels are off the chart. What's the best way to soften the water? Calcium levels are low also. Alkilinty needs to come down some, Ph 8.3. Using Seachem Reef Builder twice a week.
water hardness
- Thread starter hattrick58
- Start date
hattrick58
Member
I've been using R/O water for the last 2 years.
broomer5
Active Member
I'd quit adding the Reef Builder for now.
It's adding additional carbonates to tankwater that's already got high alkalinity.
Consider increasing your calcium levels - this will help get things in balance.
If you shoot for alkalinity around 4 – 5 meq/L and calcium around 375 - 400 ppm - you'll be pretty good.
Your pH is great at 8.3, but keep an eye on it too as you dose calcium.
Water changes are always a good idea - especially if you're water chemistry is a little whacked out. Sort of a fresh start.
Before I did anything - I think I'd do several water changes over a month or so .... monitor the readings, and when the alkalinity comes down some - maybe then start adding calcium.
Kalkwasser at that time would be good too - IMO - once you get your levels where you want them. It's good stuff.
I've been where your at before - it just takes some time to get things back in balance. I wouldn't expect any sudden changes to occur for several weeks though. Making large fast changes can cause precipitation of calcium carbonate, white stuff in your tank, and may cloud the water too. Slow is best.
It's adding additional carbonates to tankwater that's already got high alkalinity.
Consider increasing your calcium levels - this will help get things in balance.
If you shoot for alkalinity around 4 – 5 meq/L and calcium around 375 - 400 ppm - you'll be pretty good.
Your pH is great at 8.3, but keep an eye on it too as you dose calcium.
Water changes are always a good idea - especially if you're water chemistry is a little whacked out. Sort of a fresh start.
Before I did anything - I think I'd do several water changes over a month or so .... monitor the readings, and when the alkalinity comes down some - maybe then start adding calcium.
Kalkwasser at that time would be good too - IMO - once you get your levels where you want them. It's good stuff.
I've been where your at before - it just takes some time to get things back in balance. I wouldn't expect any sudden changes to occur for several weeks though. Making large fast changes can cause precipitation of calcium carbonate, white stuff in your tank, and may cloud the water too. Slow is best.
hattrick58
Member
Thanks. I'll do a water change in the AM.