alkalinity-calcium teasting

[kokxy]

I just got through testing my water after purchasing tank last weekend. The tank was set up for 5 years prior to me getting it. The PH is 8.3, salinity 1.025, ammonia 0, nitrites 0, calcium 420 and alkalinity is 7.0. As far as calcium and alkalinity goes, are these numbers good for a reef, if not what can I do to adjust them to the correct level. Also, how often should I test my water. With my saltwater tank I tested once a month if I was lucky, what about the reef tank?

 

[ChrisRD]

Those numbers are great. You don't want to see your alkalinity lower than that (dKH=7) and a little higher is good too.

In the reef you'll have to supplement the Ca and Alk to keep those number up. Early-on you'll be testing fairly often until you figure out how much 2-part additive, kalkwasser or whatever you're using to supplement with you're going to need to keep levels stable.

Once you get into a regular routine and know how much supplementation your tank needs you can test a lot less frequently IMO.

HTH

 

[ynd]

Hi Guys, I've only got a Carbonate Hardness test kit at the moment, can I use this to test the alkalinity?
Sorry if this is a silly question.