Calcium/dkh/ph help????

[Jackson919]

Hello,

I was wondering what some thoughts are on getting the the calcium, dkh, and ph to stabilize to the proper levels. I have a 55 gallon and am adding the last of the base LR tonight, I only have a polyp and a brain coral in there now, they were given to me, and a damsel. I tested my water last night and was astounded at the results.

ca = 140
dkh = 16 (Used two seperate test kits)
ph = 8.5~

I have been adding the C balance, parts A and B, regulary...although I guess not enough and have been using the Kent Marine SuperBuffer dkh. I currently use Instant Ocean salt. Obviously I've noticed the coralline not growing and in some instances dissappearing.

The guy at the LFS said I should have done a 100% water change when I changed from FOWLR to a reef and forgo all the additives, just do water changes, which I do regulary, and let nature take it's course??.......

My question is what is the best way to get my elements up to par until I set up my Kalk reactor, in 2 weeks. Is it a wise idea to just add the CA part of the C-Balance? I assume this will raise the CA which will lower the dkh and the PH level? I'm new so be nice......Thanks for any help.

 

[Anonymous]

Yikes that's super low calcium, and really high alk. I'd stick with water changes to fix that, since freshly mixed salt mix should be way better than that water. Then if you need more calcium adjust after that with additives.

 

[Anonymous]

140 Ca indicates an expired test kit IMO.

It wouldn't hurt to test your Magnesium as well.

 

[Anonymous]

Make up some fresh salt water and test it. It should be pretty close to a PH of 8.0-8.3 and a dKh of 6-11, the Ca should be around 300-400. This is assuming you use full strength seawater(1.024-1.026).

If you mix it and it tests low, more than likely the test kit is off. If it tests around those ranges, you need to do some waterchanges and get your dosing in check.