Weird levels

[jrnannery]

Guys, everything looks ok in the tank, but my ph is only 7.8, and my calcium is at 460. Why would my ph be so low...it usually runs 8.0-8.4?

[jrnannery]

Ok, after doing a quick check, those parameters look to be in the 'ok' range. They could be better, but not terrible. Actually, the calcium level is 10 ppm higher than what this site lists as normal. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

[Bill S]

Are you SURE of your pH? Good kit/meter?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It normally fluctuates like mad in a reef tank, with CO2 levels. I could never get mine to 8.0...

[jrnannery]

Hey Bill, yeah. I'm pretty sure the test kit is good, but I'm not sure if I have faith in the accuracy. I can't wait till I get my Apex. The ph probe, temp and salinity probes? Gotta be cool.

[Sherita]

What Bill said. My ph levels are all over the place (according to my ACjr.), and my tank is as happy as can be. I don't stress it anymore unless something actually looks wrong.

[jrnannery]

The reason I tested was that my acros look a little skinny. I don't think they are getting enough calcium to build a bulkier structure. I don't have a mag test, and I didnt bother to test alkalinity, but I did start dosing Kent Tech CB part A&B tonight as part of a permanent regime, as well as Magnesium.

I'm hoping that we will begin to see a change for the better in my acros.

[Bill S]

I don't have a mag test... but I did start dosing".

Richard... You know the rules: No dosing without testing.

[jrnannery]

Yeah, I know, and there is no excuse. Here's the first excuse. When I do drop mag, I am doing it in very small hits. I need to get a mag test kit, though, for sure.