Alk Level ?

[ansonluna]

if I have a Alk level >4.0 meq/l....is that high or low/good or bad.....i'm confused :wacko. I know what dKh range it should be at, but what meq/l range should it be?

[::pete::]

Check this post (http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=12874l)

[ansonluna]

I don't know if any of this info helps in my determination but my Ca = 470 and my pH = 8.0

[ansonluna]

ok, now I have a new problem. The chart I have for testing says that if I use more than 1 syringe (1ml) of the chem then my meq/l is more than 4. How do I figure out exactly what my meq/l is? Or do I just need a better test kit? I am useing the Red Sea kit that comes in the Reef Success Calk kit.

[::pete::]

Fill it again and add the 2 ... is it color changing? or get a salifert! ;)

From the chart on the other post its @ 11

[ansonluna]

Thats what I was wondering....can I pretend that the 2nd syringe is the 1st and just add the 4meq/l to the second reading? Basically, if I get 0.4meq/l (for the 2nd reading)....can it equal 4.4meq/l?

[::pete::]

Yes ... I am assuming that its a color changing liquid so you go until it changes even if that means another syringe. Then add the 2 and get your reading. If its off the chart you will figure how much by the difference fron 1-2 ... 2-3 ect.

[ansonluna]

Alk = 14.5 dKH
Ca = 470 ppm
pH = 8.0

Am I doing good to keep corals?

[::pete::]

Alk is a little high in my opinion, but fine otherwise.

[ansonluna]

what can I do to lower the Alk?

[ansonluna]

forget it, I read that article. The Alk comes from me useing tap water. I don't plan on changing anytime soon, so I guess my corals will just have to adapt. Thanks for the help Pete.

[::pete::]

No problem ... now this is where that "Library" would come in handy!

Heres a good calculator (http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html)

[GaryP]

forget it, I read that article. The Alk comes from me useing tap water. I don't plan on changing anytime soon, so I guess my corals will just have to adapt. Thanks for the help Pete.

I doubt that an alkalinity that high is from tap water alone. Are you using any additives?

[ansonluna]

I use that Red Sea Calk. Other than that no. I just did a water change this morning with Instant Ocean....if you have a suggestion for lowering it, I would be glad to try it.

[::pete::]

Check the above calc ... it has plenty!

[GaryP]

Calk does produce alkalinity to some degree. I'm surprised that your pH is as low as it is if you are dripping Kalk. I've never seen alkalinity get that high from Kalk alone though.

[ansonluna]

who said anything about dripping :lol . i put 3 scoops in every day....i learned that from the raisin brand commercials. if it works for cereal, why can't it work for aquariums.....wait, maybe it's two scoops :blink .

[GaryP]

I think you need to re-check your pH.

There's a name for your tank, I think its called Hazardous Waste.

[Louis]

Anson, It was success calc that youre using.. right? :)

Red Sea makes a "Kalk" like additive you dump into the tank, kinda odd but I spoke to Trung a while back and this is how he said it should be used.

Louis

[Tim Marvin]

Scoops directly in? I see, this is a joke thread. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH very funny.

[ansonluna]

I am useing the Success stuff. It comes in a powder form and is supposed to be scooped in. I'm not all fancy pants like uses guys....my reactor was made by God.....it's called an arm and hand :lol .

[Tim Marvin]

Oh, LOL, that is even funnier. I thought you were using Kalk... I use a god reactor almost. I have a doseing pump hooked to an old bucket with water and kalk in it...

[Tim Marvin]

If your at 14dkh I'd stop doseing and just let it run for a month and retest to see how it looks.

[GaryP]

Whatever this is, it isn't Kalkwasser.

[ansonluna]

cool. appreciate the pointers.

[Tim Marvin]

Sorry about the confusion.

[ansonluna]

I thought we were all joking from the get-go :wacko . No need to apologize. If we weren't then I'm offended my beautiful tank was refered to as a toxic waste :lol .

[Tim Marvin]

8)

[GaryP]

Yea, I was kidding. I thought you were kidding about dumping Kalk into your tank.

[Louis]

Not alot of information, but here it is...

Success Calc (http://www.redseafish.com/Product.asp?dir=y&catID=91&subID=29&proID=92)

[Tim Marvin]

I don't like Red Sea products, but you could change my mind... Let us know how it comes along.

[ansonluna]

I know GaryP. Although I would be stupid enough to do that. I've just been doing what the instructions tell me. This is all funny because I was over with Luis earlier and he had the same reaction. So I thought I could get a few laughs out of you guys also. So basically MAAST members are here for my entertainment :lol .

[GaryP]

I need to do some research and figure out what that stuff is. Now its got me curious.

[Tim Marvin]

Oh, so now we are entertaining for you...LOL...

[MIOR6485]

If I am not mistaken, to go from DKH to meq/l you multiple by 2.8 or divide if you want to go from meq/l to DKH