Low alk, high calc?

[ramsey]

I've been testing my calcium and alkalinity and dosing 2 part some. My calcium is really high <500PPM but my alk is pretty low. Should I just dose part one of the the 2 part to get it up? I've also been dosing magnesium some but that's really high too.

[kkiel02]

I want to tag along as cal has been about 500 for sometime now. Although my alk is also pretty high. I cant comment on Mag as I dont have a test kit.

[Ping]

Stop dosing the Ca and Mg until the levels return to a level you desire.

Baking soda is the main ingredient in the Alk portion of the 2 part. Dose a little bit at a time or bake a box of baking soda in a glass or ceramic oven safe dish.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

[ramsey]

Yeah, I've stopped dosing all together for the time being since calc and mag are high. I was just wanting to get my alk up so I guess I'll slowly dose part 1 until I get that up. I'll also keep an eye on my pH. Thanks!

[Kenya]

get a buffer at lfs. Just make sure to not put too much in and monitor alk until desired alk level achieved (8-12) and stop using mag and calc supplements return to normal. Heres an article about alk and calc relationship.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

that should explain everything you need to know about maintaining your alk and calc lvls. Good Luck.

[aquasport24]

What is your alk and mag at? sometimes high and low to you may be within a normal range.

[ramsey]

My alk is around 7. I can't remember what my mag was at but I know it was slightly higher than what my test kit recommended. I'll check it again in a couple days and let you know.

[hobogato]

you may also want to get a second opinion on the alk level - test kits have been known to go bad.