Cant get alk n cal levels down to normal

[AreUaBadFish2]

I have seriously just lost it. I been doing water changes weekly, using redsea. And my alk n cal levels wont go down to normal levels. Cal is reading over 500ppm and alk is at 16. What can i do???? Its been a month and no change. Tank is a 32 gal long with zoas, a kenyan tree , leather and a mushroom. One clown fish, and one pipefish. Heater is at 79 degrees. Have 2 cartridge filters running all the time. If there is anymore info that could give me advice plz ask.

 

[TheKingLBJ]

What alk test kit u got ? Probably no good, tried verifying with another kit?

 

[AreUaBadFish2]

Api test kit, its brand new so is the cal test kit. Idk if its the test kits that would be less unlikely with them both bad

 

[TheKingLBJ]

API is only good for nitrate nitrite ammonia in my experience/ get a reliable alk and cal test kits. 500 cal is possible ( although high) 16 alk is unlikely.

 

[AreUaBadFish2]

Aside from the test kit which i need to switch to confirm its reading right. How do i lower them? I need tricks or ways others have reduced there levels

 

[TheKingLBJ]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

 

[frag apple]

easy stop and do nothing! leave the tank along and test using a good test either red sea or saliferts! the elements will come down over time! be patient!

 

[GainesvilleReef]

When both Alk and Ca levels are high it may be due to elevated salinity. What's your salinity at and did you use a calibrated refractometer?

 

[Josh]

Nice!

 

[BobC63]

When both Alk and Ca levels are high it may be due to elevated salinity. What's your salinity at and did you use a calibrated refractometer?

Check and make sure your SG is between 1.023 - 1.026

Any higher than that you may have to add some RO water to dilute it down to that range