water imbalance

[whiterose]

I am having a hard time balaning my water levels. The nitrate, nitrite, ph, and ammonia are OK. I am having trouble with the calcium, GH, and KH. The calcium is not even registering on the charts, nor is the GH. I keep putting drops in and the colors don't turn. Does that mean low or high levels for both? Also, the KH is testing high; about 200. What can I do to balance this out? This can't be a good thing. Thanks for your help.

 

[lionstorm]

what kind of water do you use? If you don't have an RO/DI unit in your house I would recommend investing in one. Also are you creating a FO tank, FOWLR, or a reef tank?
If its FO or FOWLR calcium levels won't matter (as long as they arent showing up) but if its reef tank they will.

 

[whiterose]

I use R/O water and my levels do matter in that I have many corals, mainly soft, to think about. I have tried two calcium kits and both are not registering, which leads me to believe that calcium levels are too high, but I am not sure. Previously I tested calcium and they did show, but not now and for a long time I ahve been trying to figure out whether they are high or low when they don't register. I do a water change once per week and tests sttill don't register.

 

[jlem]

What additives do you dose and what brand. Keep in mind that when PH goes up your Calcium will usually go down and vice versa until you hit that sweet spot. Are your corals looking bad? I would not add anything different until we figure out your maint routine and your additives. Hope this helps
Make sure that your test kits are for saltwater. I tested my Gh I think it was when I first started and it never registered because it was a freshwater test and most freshwater test measure really low

 

[whiterose]

I supplement with iodine, calcium, and strombium two to three times per week (Kent Marine). No, my corals look fine, but I have heard that wrong calcium levels can affect the GROWTH of corals if too low or too high. I did discover tonight as I was reading the tests kits that the GH test can't be used for saltwater. But I still need to figure out how to get my calcium to the approriate level (400's) and if the test is not registering because the levels are too high or too low.

 

[dreeves]

What salt mix do you use? What particular Ca test are you using?

 

[greatfullreefer]

Dont add any more buffers untill your levels have been measured. If you do not have an Iodine test kit then IMO you should not add it. Additionally if your calcium is off the charts which it seems to be, then get an accurate test of your alk as i believe it will be low. I suggest to not add any more calcium to your tank untill your levels are back to normal and then do some research on kalkwasser once your levels are syncronized.

 

[whiterose]

My KH is off the charts as well. Did someone say skip the iodine as well for a while? How long do you think it will take to get things back to NORMAL considering the high levels contained? Saltwater aquarium challenges; you gotta love them!