kalk not enough?

[Europhyllia]

My tank used to have nice levels of alk and calcium but lately I am having so much trouble keeping both high enough.
Coralline algae used to grow like crazy but I haven't had to scrape it off the front glass in a few weeks now.
I have been dosing kalk in the top off water and really liked that system. I am worried if I dose any more kalk my pH will go too high though. Right now it's 8.0 in the AM and 8.35 before lights out -just where I want it.

I got a two-part to boost calcium and alk a little but it seems like I go through the bottles fairly quickly without much of a boost.

Some things do grow in my tank like I can see the Blue Ridge coral encrusting the rock really quickly and the clams for some reason are growing new scutes like crazy.

So how do I get alk and calcium back up - cheap and simply preferred!

[Europhyllia]

You'll probably want to know what the numbers are:
I've previously kept it at 12 dkh and 450 calcium
Now I'm just creeping around 380 calcium and 7 dkh even with the kalk top off.

[justahobby]

Has your salinity dropped off? I've found my calcium drops and will not stay up unless my SG is 1.0205 -6.

There's some really good DIY 2 parts that are relatively cheap. I have the stuff to make it and can bring it over tomorrow to get you started and show you what you need.

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

[Europhyllia]

My salinity is perfect (I think). I have a nice refractometer and check it once a week to make sure my new saltwater is the same as my tank water.
Both are at 35.
I'll read that article after I get the little one to bed. Thanks!

[justahobby]

Anytime

[wkada]

might want to check your magnesium level. If it is low, it can make it difficult to keep Ca levels up.

[TexasTodd]

Check mg levels. You want 1300-1400.

The it's calcium reactor or bulk two part solution time.

You might be able to get by with B-Ionic 2 part for a while but it will get expensive eventually.

Todd

[Europhyllia]

according to salifert my mag is 1380

[ErikH]

which tank is this on?

Either way you need to start dosing with a bigger system. What is the PH of your fresh water after you add kalk and it has settled? It should be at 12 and should only be dosed at night when your PH is lower.

[Paul28]

whats your Phosphates at ?